A homeless man asked a Burger King employee, ‘What can I get for 50 cents?’ – the young worker’s response was unexpectedly thoughtful.
“A homeless man asked a Burger King employee, ‘What can I get for 50 cents?’ – the young worker’s response was unexpectedly thoughtful.
When faced with someone in need, each of us is presented with a choice. Often, it is framed in simple terms: to ignore the person and walk away.
Muttering something barely audible under our breath, or to extend a helping hand. While the decision may seem trivial, it frequently reflects deeper values.
Shaping not only our own character but also influencing the lives of those around us. The distinction between indifference and compassion is sometimes subtle, yet the consequences are profound.
In daily life, many people are naturally inclined to help those they know well—family, friends, and close acquaintances. Acts of generosity toward loved ones feel familiar, expected, and socially reinforced.
However, the challenge often arises when the opportunity for kindness is presented in the form of a stranger, particularly someone who is homeless or otherwise marginalized. It is in these moments that many hesitate, weighed down by uncertainty, fear, or assumptions about the person’s circumstances.
Common concerns may include:
Fear of personal safety, particularly in unfamiliar situations.
The belief that someone else will provide assistance, often described as the “bystander effect.”
Skepticism regarding whether charitable efforts will be used wisely, or fears that donations will be spent on alcohol or drugs rather than necessities.
Despite these apprehensions, homeless individuals are among the most vulnerable members of society. They experience a daily struggle for basic survival, often lacking
access to food, shelter, and security.
Even modest acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on their day-to-day lives, serving not only practical needs but also human dignity.
Matthew Resendez: A Young Man Who Chose Compassion
In 2018, an illustrative story of human empathy emerged from an unexpected place: a Burger King restaurant. At the center of this story was Matthew Resendez, a young man working an evening shift at the restaurant.
Matthew’s work required him to interact with a diverse range of customers, including individuals facing economic hardship.
Serving homeless patrons was not unusual for him; after all, many fast-food establishments see people in need during quiet evening hours.
However, on one particular evening, Matthew encountered a situation that would highlight his innate kindness and the ripple effect of thoughtful action.
A homeless man approached the counter, appearing scruffy and weary. He asked a question that, at first glance, seemed simple:
“What can I get for 50 cents?”
For most staff members, the immediate response might have been straightforward: 50 cents is insufficient for any menu item, and the man would leave empty-handed.
This would have been the practical, albeit cold, choice. Matthew, however, saw beyond the immediate monetary limitations. He recognized a person who was hungry, uncomfortable, and deserving of care.
The Act of Generosity
Matthew paused briefly, considering the situation. Rather than turning the man away, he chose a path that required empathy, courage, and personal sacrifice. He asked the man what he would like if price were no object.
The homeless man responded simply: he would be grateful for anything that could alleviate his hunger. Matthew then took the extraordinary step of ringing up the most hearty meal available and covering the cost himself using his own debit card.
By doing so, Matthew not only ensured the man received nourishment, but also provided him with dignity and respect—two aspects often stripped away in daily encounters with poverty.
He handed the man the receipt, guided him to a seat, and encouraged him to relax and enjoy the meal. It was a small gesture in the grand scheme of life, yet it demonstrated the profound impact of generosity.
The Ripple Effect: A Witness Pays It Forward
Remarkably, Matthew’s act of kindness did not go unnoticed. A diner in the restaurant witnessed the exchange and was deeply moved by Matthew’s thoughtful behavior.
Inspired by the young man’s selflessness, the witness decided to pay it forward, leaving a generous $100 tip for Matthew.
This moment illustrates a timeless truth: kindness often creates a ripple effect, inspiring others to act in ways they might not have otherwise considered.
The act of helping one individual can indirectly benefit many others, demonstrating that compassion has both immediate and extended impacts.
Pride and Recognition
Matthew’s mother, Michelle Resendez, was understandably proud when she learned of her son’s compassionate decision. She shared the story on Facebook, providing a heartfelt account of the events: “Proud mom moment! Matthew worked this evening and a homeless gentleman walked in the restaurant with 50 cents and asked if there was anything on the menu he could buy.
Matthew asked him what he would order if he could, and the man said anything would help his hunger pains. So Matthew rung him up for a hearty meal and then used his own debit card to pay for the man’s meal. He handed him the receipt and told him to relax and take a seat.
The story could end there and it would be a happy ending, but apparently a woman watched my son during his random act of kindness. Not only did she write the company to let them know about the caring employee they had working for them, she also rewarded my son with a very generous tip!
So proud to be his mom and I can pat myself on the back knowing that I’ve played a part in raising this big-hearted young man.”
Michelle’s post went beyond recounting the events; it highlighted the values that she and her family instilled in Matthew. It underscored the idea that acts of kindness are learned behaviors, cultivated through example and nurtured by a family environment that prioritizes empathy and generosity.
The Broader Lessons from Matthew’s Story
Matthew’s story offers multiple lessons that extend far beyond a single restaurant interaction:
Empathy Matters: Recognizing the humanity in others, regardless of their economic status, is the foundation of compassionate behavior. Matthew’s ability to see the homeless man as a person rather than a problem exemplifies true empathy.
Small Gestures Can Have Big Impacts: Paying for a meal may seem minor, but it provided immediate relief, dignity, and a sense of belonging to someone in need. Small, consistent acts of kindness collectively shape a more compassionate society.
Generosity Inspires Reciprocity: The diner’s response—rewarding Matthew with a $100 tip—is a testament to how witnessing generosity can motivate others to emulate it. Acts of kindness rarely go unnoticed and often inspire further goodwill.
Breaking Stereotypes: Society often harbors assumptions about homeless individuals—about their choices, behaviors, or how they might spend assistance. Matthew’s response challenges these stereotypes, emphasizing that every person deserves basic respect and care.
Karma in Immediate Action: The concept of karma is often interpreted as a long-term principle of cause and effect. In Matthew’s case, however, it manifested immediately: his act of compassion was rewarded directly, reinforcing the value of choosing kindness.
Why Stories Like This Are Important
In an era where news is frequently dominated by negativity, stories of human kindness stand out. They remind us that compassion exists in everyday interactions, often in places where it is least expected.
Fast-food restaurants, public transportation, and other ordinary settings become stages for extraordinary gestures of empathy.
Moreover, these stories challenge us to reflect on our own behavior. How often do we pass by someone in need without a second thought?
How often do we hesitate to help strangers, worried about inconvenience, time, or perceived risk? Matthew’s example demonstrates that helping is often simpler and more rewarding than we imagine.
The Ripple Effects of Kindness in Society
Matthew’s story illustrates the broader societal benefits of compassion:
Promotes Social Cohesion: Generosity strengthens community bonds and fosters trust among people from different backgrounds.
Encourages Positive Behavior: Witnessing acts of kindness can inspire others to contribute, volunteer, or assist those in need.
Reinforces Human Dignity: Small gestures—like providing a meal, a warm smile, or a listening ear—affirm the inherent worth of all individuals.
Builds Moral Courage: Choosing to act with kindness, even in minor situations, strengthens our capacity to respond ethically in more significant challenges.
Each act, no matter how small, contributes to a culture where compassion becomes the norm rather than the exception.
Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Kindness
Matthew Resendez’s story is a timeless example of how a single, thoughtful action can resonate far beyond its initial context.
By choosing to help a homeless man with a simple meal, Matthew not only alleviated immediate hunger but also modeled empathy, generosity, and moral courage.
His decision inspired another individual to act kindly, creating a tangible ripple effect that highlights the interconnectedness of human behavior.
In a world often overshadowed by indifference, stories like Matthew’s remind us that the choices we make matter. Every moment offers an opportunity to act with compassion, to see the humanity in those around us, and to transform ordinary situations into extraordinary demonstrations of care.
Ultimately, the lesson is clear: when we choose kindness, we enrich not only the lives of those we help but also our own. Matthew’s example shows that even small gestures—paying for a meal, offering a smile, or extending a helping hand—can spark profound and lasting change.
In moments of hesitation, we might ask ourselves: will we mutter and walk away, or will we choose to help? Matthew’s answer teaches us that the right choice, though simple, is also transformative.
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