Back in 2008, Julio Diaz of New York City did something I cannot recommend, but I love how it turned out. As he stepped off the subway, he was quickly approached by a teenager with a knife. The youth demanded Diaz's wallet, which Julio quickly handed over. This is where Diaz decided to do something out of the ordinary. As the teen walked away, Diaz called out to him, "Hey you forgot something!"
As the youth turned around, Diaz walked toward him, took off his coat and said, "If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm." The teen was shocked, "What?" he asked. "Why are you doing this?" Diaz replied, "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner, and if you really want to join me, you're more than welcome." Diaz says he and the teen went to a diner at which Diaz frequently ate. As they sat in a booth and talked, most of the employees came out to say hi to Diaz. The youth was surprised to see how many friends Diaz had. Julio told him that he had been taught to be nice to everyone. They talked about the teen's life and what he was hoping his future would be like. When the bill arrived, Diaz asked the teen to pay for it. "You have my wallet." The youth gave Diaz back his wallet, and Julio asked him if he could buy his knife from him. He paid him $20 for it. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once said: " At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father's children, we do it unto Him. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. "
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I'm Alicia Banta
Christian. Mom. Wife. Writer. Lover of life. Archives
January 2021
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