I don't see anything wrong with it. I actually thinks it's rather sweet-hearted. One thing that it brings to mind for me is the whole idea of forgiveness. She puts that on God. In christian teachings, humans are also capable of forgiving, and actually compelled to forgive. Perhaps she should consider forgiving the purse-snatcher herself, and including that she forgives them as an additional line to the original note. (God forgives you, And so do I). I think it'd make the note more potent, as she'd be living even more to christian ideals, which, are actually not bad ideals. The discussion with her about including this would supersede religion, and inherently be treading towards humanism, but would totally still make sense to her from the christian stance.

If someone is desperate for money, be it because of drugs or whatever reason will definitely ignore it. It's unfortunate but that's the way it is.

Steal not this item for fear or shame,
For Wallace in Wedowee is not your name.
When you go to heaven the gods will say,
"Where is that item you stole that day?"
When you meekly answer I do not know."
The gods will say "Then down you go."

Whatever works to change a mind.

I would not be as forgiving and loving to a thief, especially as a broke student. But also, the thief either needs treatment for his/her addiction, some good employment opportunities or just to be kept away from society as the sociopathic (lacking empathy) person that they are. No amount of turning to gawd would help either type of thief, imo.

Sorry to tell you - and her - it's not "god" that influences a wallet's return...it's the cash contents.

Here's the science;

[kidsnews.com.au]

and because I'm a scientist; here's a back-up research;

[nytimes.com]

Having seen such a message I, personally, would be disinclined to return the wallet, purely because I would dread having to undergo, politely, her God inspired thanks.
If I could, I would put her wallet into a pouch, together with a note to say "Give thanks if you like that it was returned, but remember, the person who did so is an atheist who has no need of a mythical crutch. Please do not insult me by attributing this deed to divine providence in my presence."

Hmmm. What if the thief is already a Christian and has already turned to God....before the theft occured?

Most of the time , it's people you know that steal from you. They probably have her figured for a mark.

It would never occur to me to do something like and at 67 am much more cynical - what's the saying? If you can't say something nice best to say nothing.
I hope she gets her stuff back but cancel the credit cards and file a police report.

This incident was a crime, pure and simple. Religious belief is irrelevant. Does the investigating officer really care what religious leanings the victim or perpetrator hold? A victim of a crime, no matter her religious philosophy, is a victim, while the thief is a criminal scumbag.

Now, sometimes those of us with progressive leanings may forget that the thief doesn't just rob someone of her possessions or cash, but literally robs her of the unrecoverable hours that it took to build up said possessions or cash. The thief doesn't merely steal your wallet, but he robs you of a significant portion of your life.

By putting that not in you attract what you don't want to happen, but then what the hell if it works................

In her belief frame she is giving it her best shot by thinking ahead on the prospect that her wallet could be stolen. I hope it works for her.

In my own true case of this sort I have a landline phone with a special message. After a few rings it goes to "I'm not home right now, but in case you are the burglar I think I hear myself coming back." Then it beeps for you to leave your recorded message.

Maybe a thief will have heart and want to give her stuff back, or at least share it with her. IDK.

How does she know that her wallet is missing because someone stole it?

Thanks to all of you for your comments. I do appreciate them. I spoke to her mother again this morning and she told me there was $500 cash in her billfold from waitress tips (for rent money) and that her bank account was wiped out and she was charged with the overdrafts. I have no idea how this may have impacted her faith in God, but I bet her faith in fellow-human beings took quite a hit! Thanks again.

"....to forgive, divine" Yeah, yeah, yadda, yadda. If anything, any pang of guilt the thief may [doubtfully] have had was just washed clean if they found the note, IMHO. Not much of a conscience if you're one who steals. The note was a waste of time, especially considering you still have to spend all that time canceling your cards....