A restaurant owner in Georgia, US has offered a job to a burglar who broke in into his diner, after being inspired by Jesus’ example at Easter – what would Jesus do? (WWJD)
Saturday morning, Carl Wallace received word that someone had broken into one of his Diablo’s Southwest Grill locations in Augusta. The thief busted into the Wheeler Road burrito chain by smashing the glass front door with a brick, and unknowingly made off with the empty cash register.
Though Wallace had every reason to be upset, he issued a more positive call to action, inspired by Jesus’ Easter message.
He mentioned in a now-viral Facebook post that somebody had broken in round 4am on Saturday – also Mr Wallace’s 45th birthday. He shared a photograph displaying the glass door the suspect had shattered and a surveillance picture of the intruder.
“Our burritos are such a smash hit we’ve got people breaking in at 4am for their fix. So if ya see our door looking hurricane fabulous at Wheeler Rd this is why,” Mr Wallace wrote. “To the would-be robber who is clearly struggling with life decisions or having money issues…please swing by for a job application.
“There are better opportunities out there than this path you’ve chosen, no police, no questions. Let’s sit down and talk about how we could help you and fix the road you’re on.”
Wallace told journalists that his first reactions were anger and frustration but that he was inspired to think of a “better response” – it being the Easter weekend.
“They’re risking so much every time they do this – to the business owner, to themselves, or what could happen if the police show up during the process of the break-in,” Wallace later told media persons.
“Instead of having the normal response of being angry, we decided to reach out, and say this is a bad career path that you’re on, and we’re willing to offer you a job if you’re willing to change what you’re doing in life,” Mr Wallace mentioned.
“I can’t fix the world, I can’t save the world, but I can make a difference in one person’s life,” he added.
By Monday afternoon, Wallace’s post had racked up 3800 likes and 4400 shares.
Customer Cher Best, who noticed the submit, advised the station she got here by the eatery to present some assist.
“One phrase that my mum always said that I hold dear is, ‘It’s a blessing to be a blessing,’ and that’s exactly what he was,” she said.
Wallace told Sky News that human beings are all one choice away from a completely different life. “I wasn’t trying to go viral,” he said. “It was just a human response to a bad situation and doing a small part for a better world.”
“What would Jesus do? Would Jesus have somebody locked up or would he offer forgiveness? We all as humans have to have a level of forgiveness to each other and try to find a better way because there’s so much hate in this world… we don’t understand each other’s problems and challenges in life.”
Wallace has not yet gotten a response from the robber.
(Picture Courtesy: Carl Wallace, Facebook)
