When have you been moved to tears – and then moved into action – by something that breaks your heart or calls you to be more?

The modern-day saint and great “Martyr of Charity,” Maximilian Kolbe, once lamented that “the most deadly poison of our times is indifference.” You don’t have to look far to see how true his words are today, but even upon that reflection, most people go right back to scrolling on their phone through a mindless barrage of nonsense. Where is the action? Where is the charity?  

Thanks to the inspiring new film Triumph of the Heart, we can answer the call to walk away from our indifference and step into action.  

Anthony D’Ambrosio’s debut film tells the powerful story of what transpired after Kolbe volunteered to take the place of another man as ten Polish prisoners from very diverse backgrounds were sentenced to starvation inside of Auschwitz. Throughout their final days, Kolbe's appeal to their shared humanity and Polish identity forges a brotherhood that leads to shared prayer, song, and a profound love that echoes beyond the cell, bringing hope in one of history's darkest moments.

Every time I watch this film, I am moved to tears by something new that I didn’t experience upon previous viewings, like a unique character moment or my own personal reflection.  Sometimes I connect with the powerful message that starvation and desperation are voids that can only be filled by God. I’ve felt that in the hospital rooms where I’ve said goodbye to a child or held my son after his brain surgery.  Other times, I see myself in the doubts of Kolbe’s cellmates, wondering what else can be done besides prayer, only to realize that prayer is the most powerful action I can take.

There are times that Triumph makes me reflect on the injustices of the concentration camps and ask myself, “Where am I defending and supporting those who are overlooked and discarded by society?” That is when I am grateful for our work to rapidly grow Howdy Homemade Ice Cream in the years ahead, providing dignified work to thousands of adults with special needs.  

While viewing the film this weekend, I was especially struck by two huge events. The first was the senseless killing that happened inside Auschwitz in light of the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Dialogue, disagreement, and debate are all foundational to building a healthy society, and it is easy to say that many parts of our current culture are simply unhealthy these days. I pray that last week’s tragedy inspires more people to encounter others where they are and engage in dialogue that is rooted in all that is true, good, and beautiful.

The second event is the reality that my dear friend Yovany Jerez is facing, as his beautiful five-year-old boy, Stephen, was moved into home hospice care as his battle against cancer is coming to an end. As our private showing of the film began that evening, the Jerez family was celebrating a very special Mass during which Stephen would receive all his sacraments: Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Life is precious, and the Jerez family plays such a special role in the cancer journey that my family has been on for the past two years.  Please join me in praying for them.

Watching Triumph of the Heart is an experience that implores the viewer to set aside the poison of indifference and get in the game. Having seen it on the big screen twice in the past week, I am doubling down on the following:

• Prayer - Prayer every morning before work and throughout the workday. Shared prayer with my team and our clients whenever possible. Then prayer in the evenings. Shared prayer with my wife and kids and prayer throughout my evening Examen as my last act before sleep.
• Work as Mission – Every part of our company is built upon the Vocation of the Business Leader and the belief that our work is a mission and our presence to others is meant to be a light in the world. Our team will move forward with even more intention behind our advisory work and business ownership as a mission field.
• Presence – I recommit to being fully present to the people I encounter each day and never count the return on investment of time spent in dialogue with any new connection.
• Magnanimity – The foundation of our entire business strategy – “Greatness of soul” as defined by St. Thomas Aquinas. “The stretching forth of the mind to great things… things as are deserving of honor.”

Triumph of the Heart teaches us that everyone, regardless of age, influence, authority, or knowledge, is called to make an impact. As I drove away from the theater on Saturday night, I listened to Salve Regina and then to “Hands” by Jewel, in which she sings -

I won’t be made useless

Won’t be idle with despair

I’ll gather myself around my faith

For light does the darkness most fear

The Most Deadly Poison of Our Times is Indifference