Are you feeling hungry? Just open the fridge and get some snacks, or better yet, order your favorite pizza.
Do you know what is sad? Not everyone has food readily available, and not everyone can stock up in their pantry, even if they wanted to.
Life is hard.
Nobody wants to feel hungry, and sometimes, people choose to steal for the sake of having something to eat. The pain of hunger is something that you can’t even explain.
Two years ago, a story went viral because of the kindness and sympathy that a store owner showed to a boy who stole from his store.
Jitendra “Jay” Singh was busy working with his usual back-office tasks. Then, one of his employees noticed a young man acting strange. Soon, the employee’s suspicion was confirmed. She immediately informed Jay of the shoplifter.
As Jay watched the CCTV, he saw the young man as he took some candies, gum, and other small items, and then he would go into the store’s corner, he would then show up again, empty-handed.
As they checked the footage, the teenager had put them in his pocket.
Jay was very angry as he confronted the young man. He asked the boy to empty his pockets, and as seen in the video, he took candies and junk food that was estimated to be less than $20.
The store owner also instructed his employee to call 911.
There was another customer who felt bad about what had happened and offered to pay for the items. Jay didn’t accept this offer, because he wanted to know something.
Jay asked him one important question – “Why was he stealing?”
“He said, ‘I’m hungry. I’m stealing it for myself and my younger brother.’ I said you need food? I’ll give you food. That’s not a problem,” Singh said to CBS News.
He then asked his employee to drop the call and proceeded to talk to the kid.
What Jay did next touched millions of people.
He took a bag and filled it with food. He put in sausage rolls, chicken drumsticks, and even pizza! Jay didn’t hesitate to help the young man who tried to steal from his store.
He said to the boy, if you are hungry, ask for food – don’t steal.
Jay reminded the boy that stealing is wrong and stealing junk food will not fill their empty stomach. He didn’t say much; he just gave the kid food.
For Jay Singh, there was no point in getting the young man arrested.
Jay explains that with one mistake, this kid might not have a future. So, instead of judging him, he chose to help, and then maybe, this boy would want to be better.
“He’s a young kid. That will go on his record that he was a thief. He cannot do anything in his life,” Singh told USA Today. “He will not get a good job. This will not solve his hunger problem.”
A fellow customer, Cedric Bishop, saw everything and decided to post it on his Facebook account. He was so touched by the whole thing that he also decided to give the boy $10.
“Some young people just need to know that someone cares,” Cedric posted.
Now, this young man has food for himself and his younger brother. He also has something much more important – the wise words from a kind store owner that will guide him with his life.
We all make mistakes, things that we would regret – things that can even ruin our future. It’s always nice to meet people like Jay Singh; someone who is not only kind but also compassionate.
Maybe, this young man will use this lesson to strive, to dream, and to pay it forward with other kids who might also need guidance.
“Okay, he did something wrong. At least, give him another chance. Maybe, he will do it right next time,” Jay Singh ended with a heartfelt message.
Watch the touching video here, and don’t forget to share this with your loved ones.
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