While reading posts from friends and acquaintances on social media, I have noticed some common and concerning themes. Many have voiced concerns about the direction our country and our world are heading. They are understandably worried about the lack of civility, kindness, and compassion. Simply stated, our world just seems more unstable, more angry, violent, and mean. Alongside these posts, I’m seeing acquaintances admit to feeling isolated who are asking, “How can I connect with people and make some friends?” COVID killed a lot of book clubs, social activities, and friend groups. I don’t think we’ve quite recovered from that. And, then there are the posts from those who have announced they want to live more joyful lives. You know what? I think our friends in The Broken Series can help.
Then, near the end of the book, she and her friends tweaked that tradition and as a nod to all Kri had survived baked cookies for a battered women’s shelter. Throughout the series Kri and her friends donate books, shoes, toys, and other gifts to orphanages in Ukraine, Sierra Leone, Portugal, and Turkey. They seek out opportunities to support and help one another as well. Remember how Shae and Dallas cooked Christmas dinner for the Templar Security staff who could not return home to their families and those who had to work Christmas day? Or how about Kri, Maxim, and Shae helping Oni secure a slot at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution? I think this is what makes these characters such a remarkable group of friends. As difficult and painful as many of their pasts have been, they remain committed to helping others as best they can.
One thing Kri and her remarkable circle of friends have in common is their deep desire to help others. They all… every single one of them… want to have an impact. Whether it’s Kadyn and his military friends keeping our country and one another safe… Kri and her colleagues working to empower others to reduce conflict and restore peace… Rafael and his colleagues who protect vulnerable individuals… or Maxim who is trying to strengthen security in Ukraine… they are all working to make this world a better place. They don’t just do this in big ways as part and parcel of their chosen career fields. They seek out opportunities to help others in small ways too. In The Broken Road, we learned Kri bakes cookies for a homeless shelter. Then, near the end of the book, she and her friends tweaked that tradition and as a nod to all Kri had survived baked cookies for a battered women’s shelter. Throughout the series Kri and her friends donate books, shoes, toys, and other gifts to orphanages in Ukraine, Sierra Leone, Portugal, and Turkey. They seek out opportunities to support and help one another as well. Remember how Shae and Dallas cooked Christmas dinner for the Templar Security staff who could not return home to their families and those who had to work Christmas day? Or how about Kri, Maxim, and Shae helping Oni secure a slot at the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution? I think this is what makes these characters such a remarkable group of friends. As difficult and painful as many of their pasts have been, they remain committed to helping others as best they can.
I think this is perhaps the best way to meet all the needs noted in the opening paragraph. If you are concerned about the growing lack of civility and compassion in this world, then infuse some kindness every chance you get. If you are feeling isolated or lost, then reach out to a local group of volunteers that is devoted to helping others. Choose an issue or activity you feel passionate about; whether it is a local animal shelter, a homeless shelter, a food bank, an organization that supports veterans, a cancer charity, or something else entirely. Get involved. Your exposure to more vulnerable populations will help you put your own troubles in perspective. It will empower you to change the world for the better and to make friends with like-minded people who genuinely care about helping others. Trust me. This will bring you joy.
One of my favorite quotes from The Broken Series can be found in the fourth novel In a Broken Dream where Maxim tells Kri, “It is through our brokenness that we find the courage and strength to do great things.” If you are feeling lost or broken or if you believe the world is broken, then be the change you want to see. When you become actively involved in helping others, you will soon find yourself surrounded by kind people, and together you will achieve great things.
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