A guy by the name of Adam Smith drove through a Chic-fil-a window in Phoenix Arizona and ordered free water and then belittled an employee named Rachael. He recorded his rant saying, “Chick-fil-A is a hateful company, and I don’t know how you sleep at night. This is a horrible corporation with horrible values.”
Rachel kept her composure throughout the hateful exchange and even wished Smith a nice day. Then Smith, who was apparently proud of his accomplishment, posted his tirade on YouTube.
Big mistake!
Unfortunately for Smith it went viral, and millions of people saw his disgusting rant, including his boss who fired him. After enduring the backlash and severe nationwide firestorm, Smith took it down and replaced it with a tearful apology.
Ah, but alas it was too late and the damage had already been done.
When the 26 year old employee was asked how she maintained her composure, she stated, “I’m a Christian and God tells us to love thy neighbor. One of my friends saw the video and said, ‘Yep that’s Rachel and that’s the way she is’.”
I saw a television interview with her and she stated that she forgives Mr. Smith and feels sorry for him and his family. She indicated she is willing to meet with him in person in order to allow him to apologize, and she stated she will accept his apology and wishes him well.
It was a great lesson in Christian values and Christ-like forgiveness and millions of people saw it in action. It was also an excellent lesson as to serious consequences that can occur when someone acts hateful, bullies young workers, and then brags about it on YouTube.
This incident reminds me of how oftentimes bad things end up serving a good purpose. I haven’t been in the hospitality business for a long period of time, but I’ve been in it long enough to see first-hand how rude and difficult people can be to employees. It was bad for Rachel to have to handle the abuse; it was bad for Mr. Smith to lose his job, and for him and his family to have to suffer nationwide scorn, but in the end an example of Christ-like composure during the storm and forgiveness after the storm was demonstrated to millions of people all over the world and as a result God’s name was glorified.
Was Rachel’s example to the world of Christ-like love and later forgiveness God’s reason for permitting this incident to transpire?
I’m often asked why God allows bad things to transpire. I am just an earthworm in intellect and could never presume to know the mind of God; however this is an example that might provide a clue.
I don’t know about you, but I believe that this entire Chic-fil-a hoopla got a lot of people thinking about Christian values. Some people might still believe that Christians are close minded and hateful people for supporting traditional marriage (as defined by God Himself), and/or their right to espouse those beliefs in this peaceful counter protest, but wouldn’t it be interesting to have been sitting in God’s lap to see the world’s positive reaction to Rachael’s example of Christian (agape) love through His eyes.
The Bible tells us to behave in such a manner that someone else would want to become a Christian. Those who support the values voiced by Dan Cathy including Rachael did so in a humble, polite, respectful, and dignified manner. I think it might encourage many people around the world to have seen this example; especially when compared to Mr. Smith’s rant, as well as all of the rants from the mayors like Rahm Emanuel.
Matt. 5:16
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.