Hope Again (2022) - full transcript

Girls, don't forget to unload the van.

Okay, mom.

Cheer up girls.

It's not like it's the
first time we've moved.

Probably not the last time either.

It's okay with me.

I make friends wherever I go.

Hey Ralph, you wanted to see me?

Yes, yes, come on in Darla.

Just make yourself at home.

How are you doing?



It's been pretty rough.

It's not easy going through a divorce.

Can you tell us about the divorce?

- Ralph?
- Well?

If you feel comfortable
telling us what's been going on,

maybe we can help.

It's a very long story,

but the short version of it

is that my husband decided
after 19 years of marriage,

that he didn't wanna be married anymore.

And he's also told me that he
wants to explore other options

and other life possibilities.

Well, was there any
infidelity during your marriage?

Not that I know of, no.



Oh, sorry to hear that.

So how are you responding?

How are you taking it?

I'm trying to let go somehow.

You're not fighting for it?

You're not fighting for your marriage?

I'm not going to force myself on him,

and I'm not gonna stay
in a loveless marriage,

and I'm not gonna make my
young vulnerable daughters

be around someone who
clearly does not love them

or their mother.

No, we understand that.

It's just that-
What?

Well, here at our church,

we believe that the only
biblical reason for a divorce is,

well it's marital unfaithfulness.

Well, since there was no infidelity.

Yeah, I know you mentioned
that he said he wanted

to pursue other avenues,

but since there wasn't any actual cheating

and you're just willing to
go with it and not fight

for your marriage...

What are you saying?

Are you trying to say that
it's my fault even partially?

My young girls need to know
that they are valued and loved.

And if he's not willing to do it,

then he can be on his way.

The Bible also says that,

"If the wicked choose to
depart, let them depart."

It just looks bad.

You know very well the blow

that the leadership team
here has had this past year

with the youth pastor
scandal, he deceived us all,

and now a young girl's life
will never be the same.

We just have to make sure
that the congregation

and the membership know

that we're not willing to just
throw anyone into leadership,

that we're not going to
hire child predators,

or bums, or divorcing couples.

What is this about, your image?

Come on, Ralph.

You knew about my husband.

You knew how hard I tried for years

to get him to come to church.

That's not the point.

What is the point?

The Bible says to avoid
all appearances of evil.

And quite frankly, we're just
not doing a good job of that.

It's like evil is just prancing around,

dancing all over our living
rooms for all to see.

So you're releasing me
from the leadership team?

We have to.

We can't afford to have any
more rumors going around.

What am I going to tell my girls

who now do not have a father?

And now, they don't even
have a leadership role

in their own church.

Oh, this does not affect
your girls in any way.

They are completely fine
to stay where they are.

Our family is broken up enough

and I will allow no more of it, goodbye.

Was that completely necessary?

So I was thinking about in my new room,

adding my bed on that one wall-

- Is that the room I want?

What room are you talking about?

The room at the end of the hall.

The one with the big window?

I told you that's the one I wanted.

No, that's the one I get.

Actually guys, I wanted that one.

No, that's the one I get.

Do you guys actually
think you're the one

that's getting the room?

Yes, I do.

I do think that.

And why do you think that?

Because I should get it.

I'm the oldest.

You shouldn't be the one who gets it.

So, I don't care if you're the oldest.

I would just really appreciate it

if I was the one that got the room.

I'm sorry, but you're the oldest

and you always think you
get everything you want.

I'm getting the room.
Grow up.

Girls, I've had enough.

Megan, go clean up.

Kayla, go to your room.

- What room?
- What room?

Dear heavenly Father,
in the name of Jesus.

I just ask you to help me.

I have felt so rejected.

You Lord, You are so good

and You are so faithful Lord.

Forgive me Lord for
letting this bitterness

and pain seep in me.

Just change this heart of
stone into a heart of flesh.

And Lord, help me to forgive Bill.

In fact, right now Lord,
I choose to forgive him.

I forgive him for leaving us.

And Lord, I just ask that
wherever he is right now Lord,

that You would bless him.

And that You would bring
people into his life Lord,

that point to You.

And Lord, that he would
see his deep need for You.

And Lord, I just ask that You
would be with my daughters,

that You would be with our daughters.

I know Lord that You are love.

I just ask that You help them
to see their worth in You.

Lord, I believe that
they are gonna be okay

because they're going to turn to You,

that they're turning to You, Lord.

I know Lord God that they
are turning to You right now

in this time of hardship.

And they are seeking You and
they are finding their worth

in You Lord.

I believe that Lord.

You're saying in Your word,
that all things work for good

for those who love You,
and we love You Lord.

Thank You so much for
all that You do for us.

And thank You for Your love Lord.

We grasp that love Lord.

You are the Lord of Lords
and the King of kings,

and You are the way
the truth and the life.

Thank You Lord for being there.

I commit myself to You Lord.

Please mold me and heal
me and transform me

to be more like Jesus.

In Jesus' precious name, amen.

Let's just talk about this.

Look, I've had enough.

I cannot do this anymore.

No, there's no anything!

We gotta keep trying.

Let's go to church together.

Let's get some counseling.

Listen, what'll
God for this relationship?

He hasn't been here for 19 years!

Please Bill,
don't give up on us!

There is no way.

I can't do this anymore.

I just don't love you anymore.

What about the girls?

What about the girls?

Don't you care about them?

Are you kidding?

Of course I care about them!

Do not turn this on me.

You'll pray for me God.

Pray for this marriage that's
been doomed for 19 years.

Don't give up on us.

Give up on what?

I don't love you anymore.

Give up on what?

But what about the girls?

What about the girls?

What about 'em?

Don't you care about 'em?

Do not do this to me,
of course I care about them!

Oh God!

So I think I'm enjoying
your cat decorations

more than ever before this year.

Oh wow, so how are you doing?

So you've heard about
what happened at church?

Yeah.

So I'm sitting here
coming to the realization

that everything that I thought
was important in 19 years

is basically just kind of
fallen apart overnight.

And I have to come to the
realization that I have to do it

on my own and start over again.

You know it doesn't
have to be like that?

You know what,

something about you
ever since we were kids

is that you just can't seem
or are willing to see things

as they really are.

Has anyone from church
reached out to you?

No.

There are still some of
us who are praying for you.

Don't say that.

You don't know that.

And don't believe
everything everybody says.

Also just because someone
says they're praying for you,

doesn't mean that they are.

Love is action.

That's true.

And we can't just sweep
everything under the rug

and act like it's not happening.

For the first time in my life,

I'm all on my own and I'm
doing it all by myself.

Listen, you're gonna find another church

and you're gonna make new friends.

I don't think so.

What do you want then?

Do you wanna be alone?

I want to be more selective
on who I allow to be close

to me and my children.

And I'm not looking for church
leadership for starters.

So guys, our first day
of school is tomorrow.

I know, do you guys think
we're gonna be popular?

I highly doubt it Caitlyn.

We're not jocks, movie people,
musicians, we're nobodys.

I'm a jock.

And I sing and play ukulele.

You've never been on a
real cross country team

and you are just a
beginner, we're nobodys.

Maybe so, but I'm no quitter.

You're just a jock and
you're just a musician.

- Okay.
- I'm a foodie too.

- Oh, my.
- I'm also really good

at sewing and my kind of
music never goes out of style.

What kind of style is that?

Cute teen rock music.

If you see me at school, don't
look at me, don't touch me,

don't talk to me and especially
don't sit with me at lunch.

So, are you new here?

That obvious, huh?

No, it's just

that there aren't many
attractive girls around here

so when one does come around,
it's pretty noticeable.

Oh really?

I'd say these halls are
full of attractive girls.

So yeah, you're gonna have
to do better than that.

Hello handsome, who's this?

It's no one.

I mean, she's new here.

I'd say so.

I didn't catch her name though.

Kayla.

Braiden, and this is
my girlfriend, Cami.

So where'd you move from?

Bakersville, it's about an
hour and a half away from here.

I see.

I saw you at our football game.

Yeah, I just forgot to mention.

Oh right, yeah, that's
much more believable

than the first reason you gave me.

We should probably get going to class.

It was really nice to see you.

I'll see you around.

Nice to meet you Carla.

Kayla, and right back at ya.

This is gonna be an interesting first week

and I never went to a football game.

This is my first day.

So why am I here again?

It's just school policy

that when a student goes
through a traumatic event

such as a death or separation
of parents in the household,

or really any other life-changing event

that we allow students to miss
three hours of class per week

to give them counseling.

Oh, sweet, well, it's well
worth it for the free coffee.

So how are things at home?

I mean, fine I guess.

Making some new friends here
and getting involved in band

so yeah, that's really cool.

You're not having any problems at home?

Oh, no, not at all.

I just got a new ukulele for my birthday

and me and my sisters
all got their own rooms

for the first time.

So I can't really complain.

What about your dad?

Well, I don't really see my dad much,

but I'm sure he's just busy.

This is so good.

Do you think I could have another cup?

I promise I'll tell you
about all my problems.

She's in denial.

What do you mean?

She's suppressing all
this pain and anguish

and not addressing the issues at home.

That's Caitlyn, that's
how she copes with things.

She's in her own little world.

Yes well, I think I need to work

with her a little bit more

because if she doesn't
address these issues,

they're gonna manifest themselves

in other ways one day
when you least expect it.

Okay, do whatever you
feel you need to do.

Okay well, if you have
any questions or concerns,

give me a call.
Thank you.

Hey, are you new here?

You're like the fifth person
today who's asked me that.

Oh, sorry.

It's all good.

At least you came up and said something.

Most, everyone just gives me looks.

Oh well, most of us
still welcome newcomers.

I'm just terrible with faces.

Well, I'm the same way
with names so I get ya.

I'm Megan.
Ashley.

Tell me that three more
times before we leave tonight.

Okay, deal.

Well, why don't you just come over here?

I'll introduce you to
the rest of the group.

Yeah, I just got wait
on the other extensions

of me basically.

Oh, you're waiting for someone?

Yeah, my two sisters.

I don't know what's keeping them.

Oh, there they are.

Sorry, we're late.

Kayla got lost in the five meter building

and my therapy session went over

because I was on the verge of suicide.

Yeah, I gotta meet with
that counselor tomorrow.

Me too.

Well, if it wasn't for the free coffee,

I wouldn't be there.

Yeah well guys, this is Anna.

- Ashley.
- Ashley, of course, sorry.

It's okay, y'all can
just join us up here.

Okay.

Hey, are you busy?

Nope, come on in.

I just wanted to let you know

that I ran some more numbers

from the real estate account
like you wanted me to

and it just so happens that

that piece of property
right at the county line,

all the way up to as far
as the 85 mile marker

is up for sale.

Okay, and I suppose you
want me to strike a deal

with the owners?

Absolutely, that's you and Barbara.

That's y'all's forte.

Y'all can handle that.

I've nothing to do with that.

But the reason I wanted to
tell you about it specifically

is ironically enough,

this piece of land is where
your old church is on.

Okay I mean, and why
would I care about that?

Well, I don't know.

I just thought you might be interested.

Ben, what is going on

in that schemish little mind of yours?

All right, I admit it.

So I was just thinking

that maybe since that
particular plot of land

is say no longer under
government ownership.

It isn't?

No, it's actually been
under private ownership

for about the last two
and a half years or so.

The old owners basically just cashed out

and went and got some land further West

or whatever or whatnot.

But anyway, the point is if in fact,

you wanna show your old
little church people whatnot,

once our company acquires
the ownership for that land,

you can do whatever you wanna do with it.

Like what?

I don't know, sell it, burn
it to the ground.

Catch you later.

So girls, how was your first day?

- Good.
- Good.

Everyone kept staring at us

and commenting about the way we dress.

They kept using this one word,
like consi, consi-something.

Conservative?

Right, that's it, conservative.

Caitlyn, your counselor called today.

She said you're suppressing a lot of pain.

I am, that coffee causes heartburn

for me after five cups.

No wonder you can't sleep.

You're doped out on caffeine.

Anybody else?

I met a cute guy today.

Relax, he's got a girlfriend
much hotter than me.

I doubt that.

That's not saying much.

Girls?

I bet you didn't meet a cute guy today.

Well, I will admit you got me there,

but I did make a new friend.

- Oh yeah.
- Who?

Her name's Ashley.

She is one of the leaders
of the on-campus crusade.

And she wants us to go to
church with her on Sunday.

- No.
- No?

I already told her we would.

I thought that would be a no brainer.

Mom, I know how you
feel about what happened,

but you don't want us
to go to church anymore?

Maybe you can have her over for dinner.

I'm sure that would be fine.

No, you just said that, right?

You know, wait, you know
when you're leaving?

Oh, did you do that all by yourself?

Oh, it's only 2000 pieces.

You start from the corners
and work your way in.

It's no big deal.

I see, and how are things at home?

We're getting along despite
everything that's happened.

Are you adjusting well to school?

Well, it's school.

I have to make the most of everything.

I'm the oldest

so my little sisters look
to me for leadership.

If I'm okay, they can find
it in themselves to be okay.

Are you finding school challenging?

My life sucks, okay?

I'm the poster child for the doped up,

can't function, problem
teen of the new generation.

Now, can you just pack me full of Prozac,

or lithium, or tranquilizers,

or canned arsenic for that matter,

or whatever it is you guys prescribe

and send me on my merry way.

I'm missing gym class.

She said what?

Hey, you're crazy.

I'd rather be crazy than be with you.

Okay last night, your dogs kept me up

for half an hour because he
was scratching in the inside

of the gate.
Oh my God, what?

And so, I was a little upset

so I yelled, "Stop!"

Oh my God.

He listened to me and
I was like, "Fabulous."

- Hey.
- Hey.

So about church this Sunday.

You can't come?

Well, let's just say my mom wants

to get to know you first,

kind of know what she's
getting herself into.

Oh yeah, of course, that's fine.

Awesome, could you
come to dinner tonight

or maybe tomorrow night?

Yeah, tonight can be fine.

Great, I'm hungry.

My mom makes a lot.
Okay.

This is really good, thank you.

Oh yeah, it is isn't it?

So Ashley, do you go

to church around here
somewhere close do you?

Yeah, my dad is actually
the Senior Pastor.

And your parents aren't
divorced I suppose?

Mom?

Oh no, they're very much together

and very much in love.

In fact, I think just last week,

my dad got my mom this really nice gift

and we were so excited.

My dad, oh.

That's very nice.

Well Ashley, we want our daughters

to be in an environment
that's safe, very safe.

Well yeah, our church is
definitely in a safe section

of town for sure.

She means friendly
environment and non-judgemental.

Oh, oh yeah, our church is
definitely all about that.

The culture of our church
is definitely one of grace.

Because that's what
our last church said.

It's okay.

Mom wouldn't keep us from
going to church would she?

Where are you going?

To get a second helping.

Grab me one more too while
you're out there please.

You're gonna get fat.

Nope, I have another 10
years to eat like a pig

before my metabolism catches up with me,

according to my science teacher.

Oh, here comes Bradley!

Hey there!

What's up?

Hey guys.

Dude, that girl is staring you down.

Yeah man.

Sidney?

Yeah, that's him, that's Sidney.

I was almost in the cold.

My name was almost.

This is Chadwin's plant, Edward

He's very handsome.

I used to water him so much.

I don't know why.

All right, all right everybody.

Thank you guys all for coming.

For those of you who don't know me,

I am Terrence.

I see some new faces.

It's very nice to have you guys.

And this is my lovely fiance, Andrea.

Together, we run the Young Life Program

on Thursday evenings,

or lead or figurehead
this little assembly,

if you will.

So we would like to go around
and introduce each other.

And I know that you
guys that have been here

for a while have done
this a million times,

but we'd like to make
a level playing field

for all of our newcomers.

So if you want, state your name,

your year in school and how
many years you've been coming

to Living Waters.

And of course a fun fact,

something interesting that
you would like other people

in the group to know about you.

So I'll start as always.

And then Andrea will go and
we'll go around this way.

So again, my name is Terrence.

I am a fourth year at NHU.

I've been coming to Living
Waters for 12 years,

leading for three.

And a fun fact about myself
is that my dad is that Pastor

that you guys all see on TV.

Hi, I'm Andrea like Terrence said.

I am a junior at NHU.

I've been coming here for five years now.

And my interesting thing is
that I've been in every country

in Europe following the Newsboys.

Must be nice.

Kayla!

Yeah, it was really an experience.

I'm Braiden, I'm a senior

and this is me and my
girlfriend's first time too.

Interesting fact about me

is that I actually won the MVP

of our high school's football
team two years in a row.

And here's to three.

Oh, that's where I know you from,

you scored that winning touchdown

against was it Willow Creek last year?

Yeah, I did it again
against Mountain View.

Oh yeah, I saw that too.

Heck yeah man, welcome.
Yeah.

So I'm Cami, it's my first night here.

I'm a senior at school.

Interesting thing about me

is that I got to interview
Reese Witherspoon

for an article in our magazine.

She was so awesome.

Wow.

Hi, I'm Ashley.

I am a senior here at Heath
High and I've been going here

for about four years now.

I'd say the most
interesting thing about me

is that I've read the Bible
four times all the way through.

Wow, that's interesting.

Well then, what's
your favorite book then?

Oh golly, I don't really
have a favorite book.

It's more like I like
the New Testament better

than the Old Testament.

The New Testament, what
about the Old Testament?

The battles like the Israelites led by,

let's see Moses and Joshua and King David?

I'm sure your favorite

is the Israelites
getting exiled to Babylon

and that evil King Zedekiah
getting his eyes gouged out

and his sons killed right in front of him.

Yeah, no.

Okay, hi, I'm Megan.

I'm here tonight with my two sisters

and I'll let them introduce themselves.

I am new to Heath High
going into my senior year

and this is our first night here.

I guess my interesting thing
about me/accomplishment

is I won state title for
individual track last year.

- Wow.
- Wow.

Hi, I'm Caitlyn, and like she said,

first time here and
interesting thing about me

is I'm awesome at everything I do.

No, I'm just kidding.

I'm a singer/songwriter.

- Oh, that's cool.
- Wow.

I'm Kayla, first time and
nothing interesting about me.

Oh come on, I'm sure there's something.

No, no famous dad or any
dad really for that matter.

No track star crap, no music,

no trophies, no state title, no football

no "Legally blonde" actresses, no Europe.

Well, I'm sure you've accomplished more

than you think you have.

She just hasn't found her niche yet.

Well, just remember

that you're a child of
God first and foremost.

Hold fast to that and build from there.

Now you sound like my mom.

Okay, so before we turn
this into a pity party

for whining losers, let's move on.

Well, thanks for coming tonight guys.

And thanks for sharing.

Kayla is not alone.

We understand many of you guys
are going through hard times

that you don't wanna talk about tonight.

And we completely understand.

We just hope the message
tonight blesses you.

By the way Ashley,

I think we can all agree
that the Old Testament

is not as good as the New Testament.

Speaking of which, that brings
us to the topic of the night.

So this semester, we will be
focusing on, drum roll please.

Now, I'm going to use an old term here

and it's something that's
very important to us.

And it's something that
we're all called to be

as individuals and as a church.

And this is a little cliche,

a little misplaced, overused ministers.

We're called to minister or to effect,

but a word I think better describes it

is to impact.

We're all called to
impact those around us.

And it's not just our friends and the ones

that are closest to us.

We're called to impact even those

that are farthest from God.

So the question that we wanna ask tonight

is how often have we been doing that?

I know I'm not perfect.

There's plenty of people that
I run into in my everyday life

that I am frankly too busy for.

And other times I say that I'm too busy

even though there's a million
other things I could be doing

at the moment.

So with that, let's open Ephesians 4,

and there's a verse that
I want you to go over.

I think it speak a little
bit of truth into this.

Start with verse 29 alrighty.

"No foul language should
come out of your mouths,

"but only such as is good
for needed edification

"that it may impart
grace to those who hear."

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God

"with which you were sealed
for the day of redemption."

"All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting,

"inner viling must be removed
from you along with all

"of their malice.

"And be kind to one
another, compassionate,"

"forgiving one another as God
has forgiven you in Christ."

I think these are all
verses that we kind of know

in our heads, but it's
not really something

that we practice on a day-to-day basis,

hasn't really penetrated our hearts.

In our modern Western Christian culture,

we're so focused on the
importance of our lives

and our schedules that we're not focusing

on what's really important,

even if we ourselves don't
think we're important or matter.

Hey, I just wanted to give
some words of encouragement.

Megan told me you guys

were kind of going through
a hard time right now.

Yeah, she talks too much.

Yeah, some of us do.

I just wanted to know if you wanted

to maybe get some coffee sometime?

I'd love to hear your story
and see what we can do to help.

I appreciate the gesture Miss, Europe,

but I really don't think
that's the best idea.

How's Saturday morning sound?

Sounds good, I'll write down my number.

Hey, thank you so much
for inviting me over

to dinner the other night.

It was so fun.

Yeah, thanks for inviting me to this.

I'm so glad you all came.

Yeah, thanks for inviting us.

Also, would you keep
Kayla in your prayers?

Our family's been going through divorce

and she hasn't been taking it very well.

Oh no, yeah, absolutely.

And about the other night, I'm so sorry.

I did not know you guys
were going through that.

No, it's okay.

I'm the one that should
have said something.

We should get together sometime.

Yeah, we should.

We should go to a coffee shop.

I love coffee.

- Hey!
- Oh, hey.

I'm old enough to know
when it's time to skedaddle.

Where do you think you're going?

You two have to talk.

You're not escaping that easily.

Come on, you know it's new
guy, new girl, they meet.

Quit your babbling and get over here.

Oh, okay.

So cool message tonight, huh?

Yeah, for sure.

You can never hear too much

about loving others, huh Caitlyn?

Yeah, love is dope.

Well, I just wanted to let you know

that some of us are going
to see that new movie

at the theater downtown on Saturday

and you're welcome to join us if you want.

Yeah, that's so nice of you.

I'll check my schedule
and let you know tomorrow.

Hi, you social butterfly.

She knows what I do.

Yeah, you again.

- Yes.
- I invited her

to come to the movies with
our group on Saturday.

Our group, what group?

It was just supposed to be the two of us.

Well, plans change.

Oh, I mean, she's a very busy girl.

She probably doesn't have
time for us on Saturday.

You know what, that reminds me,

I actually have a birthday gig to go to

with my sister Saturday.

We do?

Oh right, Owen Sue, of course, my bad.

So maybe next time.

Next time.

Great, see y'all round.

See you next week.

What, you'll see are next week?

Heartbreaker, you're
gonna be a heartbreaker.

Shut up, you're not big enough

to where I still can't kick your butt.

Good morning, everyone.

It's another beautiful Sunday morning.

With heavy hearts,

we have an announcement
that we need to make.

It's gonna be hard for some of
you congregation to swallow.

It's certainly very difficult for us,

but our church has reached a decision

and we regret to inform everyone.

Babe, did you see Stacy?

I mean, she was judging me

especially when the
offering was going around.

She was watching how much
we were putting in there.

Babe, I'm just feeling a
lot of judgment right now.

Did you see the way that
Stacy looked at you?

Yeah, I did, but I don't
think it was because of him.

We need to talk to them about it.

- Seriously?
- Yeah.

Why do you have to
make everything a joke?

It's not a joke.

It's not funny, I'm serious.

It's very healing to people.

Babe, I just feel like
everyone's judging us.

I mean, did you see Connie?
Yeah.

The way that she looked at us.

She smells funny today, it's weird.

I think it's her grandmother's perfume.

So we need to not say anything about that.

- Hey.
- Hi!

It's just so hard what's going in.

I'm so sorry about all that.

It is, yeah.

Pastor Smith and his wife
have been here for 20 years.

I know, it's heartbreaking.

And we're here to support him

and his family any way we can.

Paul, you're on the board.

I mean, I hate to keep
airing dirty laundry,

but did you have anything to do with this?

It was a business decision
that we needed to make

and it's been staring us in
the face for a while now.

We tried to come up with
alternate solutions,

but let's face it, our
membership is dwindling

and we're just not getting
the offerings that we used to.

People wanna keep blowing
this out of proportion

like it's a direct stab to
Pastor Smith and his family.

It's not, it's not personal at all.

- No.
- We don't wanna see him go,

but it was a business decision.

And you would have done the
same thing at your company.

When the numbers are
down as tough as it is,

you do layoffs.

It's how every business in the world works

and we gotta do what's
best for the church.

I understand.

Well, if you'll excuse me,
I'll go pick up the kids.

Get up.

So hey Ralph, we got any
of that tripping budget left

by any chance?

No, we're fresh out.

Well, come on baby,

we're probably the next
ones to get kicked out.

Are you going to group lunch?

Yeah, yeah.

Okay, I'll save you a seat.

This place has become a laughing stock.

Hey, can I talk to you for a second?

Why do you always have to be a joker?

Because it's funny.

It's not, seriously stop it, shut up.

I just wanted to ask
you about what's going on.

I mean, I talked to you about
what happened with my sister,

but now Pastor Smith?

What is happening with our church?

I know, honestly,
I've been really praying

about what's been going on lately.

And especially with your sister,

I don't even fully agree

with the decisions being made about that.

And I just feel like our
church panics at the first sign

of a problem,

and I'm just really
feeling convicted about it.

I can't believe they did this to us.

They can't do this to us.

The church wouldn't even
exist without you Harold.

Honey, technically they
can, but you have to remember,

they're responsible for the
church's financial future.

I mean, if tithes and
offerings aren't up to par,

and you have to admit they
haven't been for quite a while,

then sacrifices have to be made.

But why us?

We are the church.

They wouldn't be anywhere near

where they are today without us.

You have to understand
that we get paid generously

for what we do.

Look, you have to stop looking at it

as what they've done to us,

rather more what God is doing through us

in this unfortunate situation.

Are you gonna fight it Harold?

Don't you feel it's unjust?

I could Amanda, but what
would I really be fighting for?

And what kind of example
would we be leading

especially to those who know
us at church and beyond?

Look honey, we have to pray over this

and see what God does in the
meantime in providing for us,

in meeting our needs and
then what the next step is.

You can't fool me Harold.

You're just as worried as I am.

We'll get through it.

Look, I need to get
something straight with you.

- Okay.
- Braiden's mine, okay?

I've seen the way you've
been flirting with him.

Flirting?

Last week at Bible study,

he couldn't keep his eyes
off of you all night.

And that's my fault?

You and your sisters
parade yourself around

like you're something special.

You show up at a new school
with your perfect clothes

and your crazy hair.

You don't keep quiet like the others.

You just show up, guns blazing.

Look girl, Braiden,
you can have him, okay.

Let's just say he's not my type.

Oh, he's not good enough for you?

You're jealous, it's obvious.

Oh honey, don't play with the big girls.

You don't wanna play in
the big leagues I promise.

You we're in way, way over your head.

I got to go to class, but yeah,

try to have more confidence in yourself.

I mean, Braiden's not stalking me yet.

He's still talking to you, right?

Okay, you want war,

I'll give you war.

Two can play that game.

So you and your family
are new to the area?

What's left of us, yeah.

Yeah, Ashley told me you guys

were going through a divorce.

Oh she did huh?

I'm sorry, I was just trying to help.

Not only did I go through a divorce

when I was eight years old,

but the man my mom was married
to wasn't even my real dad.

I was what the church would
call an illegitimate child.

I'm what you would call
not the brightest crown

in the box.

I'm sorry, what's that mean?

Oh, I was born out of wedlock
and for the longest time,

I really, really
struggled with my identity

as a person and my
certainty as a child of God.

I mean, I wasn't even supposed to exist.

I was a result of my parents' sin

and being in the middle of a divorce,

it's like, how can God honestly love me

and have a plan for me?

I believed it for everyone else,

but I couldn't accept it for myself.

And I was just so afraid that
one day it would be revealed

to me that I wouldn't inherit
the great things from God

that my pastors and my religious people

that I knew growing up would.

It took me a long time to
realize that we're all here

for a reason.

And God loves to take people
from broken circumstances

and make them into something wonderful,

that's what He does.

When I first came here,
no one ever talked to me.

People would pass right by
me and not even say a word.

Guys that I would talk to,

They would just say they were too busy.

Then the next week, they'd
be with another girl.

It upset me to the point

that I felt like I wasn't good enough

to be in a relationship
with a good Christian man.

I felt like I didn't fit in
with the Christian circle.

If God loved me so much,

then why did I mean so
little to His other children.

I appreciate you all
sharing your stories with me.

You feel similar because your dad left?

Honestly, I'm not really
sure how I'm feeling about it.

Were you close with your dad?

Still am, he says him
leaving mom had nothing

to do with us.

You believe him, right?

I guess.

I guess what we're trying to say

is that you shouldn't let this experience

define your relationship with
God and how you view God.

God wants us to fight for
our relationship with Him

and our relationship with
our spouses and others.

Thanks.

Do you mind if we pray for you?

Sure.

Heavenly Father, I
pray for Kayla right now.

Please give her a peace and a comfort

that only You can give.

I pray that we would
be good friends to her

and that we would understand and help her

and that she would understand

that we're glorifying You.

I pray God that You'd please
give her family comfort

and that she'd be able to
fit in well with school,

that You'd help her with
school and all her friends.

I pray that she'd start
making more friends

and that she would grow in You
and a relationship with You

and her family.

Please give her and her
family a peace and a comfort

that only You can give.

I pray that we give blessing to her

and that we'd encourage her

and that she would be blessed by us

and want to turn to You
Lord for everything.

I pray that we all would
be more dependent on You

and rely on who Christ is
and what He has done for us

on the cross.

And Lord, I just pray
that you please just protect

and guard Kayla's heart

as she goes through these uncertain times.

And I pray for Your hand to just be

on her whole family right
now during these times Lord.

And I pray that You just
help her to keep in mind

that she's a child of God
first and foremost Lord.

And I just pray for Your love
to just show in her life Lord.

And thank You for these amazing times

that we've got together.

And all the things I ask
in Your holy name, amen.

- Amen.
- Amen, thank you.

Good morning.

Hey, how are you doing?

Moving right along, I suppose.

And you?

Great, I have the afternoon off work

so I'm gonna go do a little
early Christmas shopping.

You and the girls still
coming over on Friday?

Of course, the girls
are excited to see you.

Hey, I heard you found a new church.

They're exploring other options

with their friends at school.

They haven't really convinced
me to come along yet.

Well, why not?

I figured you'd be excited
to start somewhere new?

You know that I'm not
going to keep my daughters

from going back to church.

I just would never do that.

It's just my job to protect them.

And naturally, I'm afraid

that they're going to be
greatly disappointed again.

I just don't want them to
turn their backs on God

because of the wrongs that the
church has done toward them.

I just wish they would have waited.

It is all part of the plan Darla.

I want you to believe that.

Anyway, I was calling because
I wanted to let you know

about something that happened at church.

It might make you feel better.

I'm all ears.

I need some good news about right now.

Well, I wouldn't say
that it's good news.

Pastor Smith got let go.

They say due to financial reasons.

Really?

Yeah, it's made a lot of people upset,

but we took up a collection
for him and his wife

before a lot of people took off.

Took off?

Yeah, but no,

a bunch of people thought
this was a huge injustice

and they left the church.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know

that what happened to you was not right

and it wasn't your fault.

It's just, these guys have their ideas

about how things should be done

and they don't stray from them.

Well, - I appreciate
you letting me know.

Well, to be honest,

we're trying to get better as
a church, but to be honest,

I feel like the congregation
is in its Twilight stage.

You may be more right than you think.

Well, don't wish bad things on anyone.

You're better than that.

Listen, I got to go.

It's time for me to start my shopping.

I'll see you girls on Friday.

You bet.

- All right, love you.
- Love you.

All right, bye.

I miss you guys too.

Can you please be quiet?

She's just telling me to stop.

Watch this, I just learned it yesterday.

Pretty cool huh?

It's so hard.

Hey, I'm hanging out with
some friends for a little bit.

On a school night?

I won't be out late.

So where do you wanna go?

I don't know, wherever you wanna go.

I know this cool place.

Okay, what kind of place?

Just somewhere where we can talk.

Do you know him?

Yeah, it's a smelly
old hobo begging again.

I'll take care of him.

Hey buddy, you hungry?

God bless you.

Bon apetit buddy.

God bless you.

Bradley!

Hey guys, what's up?

This is my girl Kayla.

- Oh, yes I see you.
- Okay.

You feeling okay?

What's wrong baby?

What the?

Hey, we were in the neighborhood

and thought we would give you a lift.

Seriously?

We're gonna get some
ice cream on the way home.

We only have one seat
left for one passenger.

We could probably squeeze.

Oh yep, only one seat left, sorry.

I'll get you for this later.

You'll thank me for this later.

I'll text you.

You forgot this.

One thing that God really put

on our hearts to talk about tonight

is division among believers,
division in the church.

And one thing that Paul talks
about in the New Testament

is that we'll be recognized

or identified might be a more
accurate word for our fruit,

our love for one another.

Yeah, even amongst the
strongest of Christians,

sin can creep in and drive a
wedge in your relationships.

Now, one thing God has shown me

is that our minds are so finite,

that God is so much bigger,

so much bigger than the
limited circumstances

that our minds can create
on the path in front of us.

Hey Andrea, can I ask you something?

Yeah, what's up?

I have something I need your advice on.

Okay.

Are you done?

Are you?

You are the one that
doesn't know what they want.

Are you kidding me?

If I was kidding, we wouldn't
be having this conversation.

Oh my God.

Of me being not participating

when I'm the one who called you over here

to actually have this conversation.

I honestly care about this.

And you're the one that kind of like,

you're the one that's always doing this,

always bringing stuff up.

You aren't bringing anything up.

Bummer.

Hey you, just wanted to let you know

that me and Cami are no more.

Oh, goody.

Yeah, she just wasn't for me.

And let me guess, I am?

- Well, I mean maybe-
- Save it.

I'm gonna save you from the embarrassment

of making a fool of yourself.

I'm not even remotely
interested in you at all.

But you don't even know me.

Well, I would say in a
way I know you quite well,

certainly better than
Cami ever did, excuse me.

Busted.

Oh, wonderful, if you're
here to gloat don't, okay.

Today's not the day to mess with me.

No, I just wanted to
come and say I'm sorry

and that you deserve much better.

Don't mess with me.

No seriously, think about all
the ways you've been acting,

trying to hold onto someone
that isn't the best for you.

And I think you knew it deep down inside,

that's why you were holding on so tight

and it almost made you a
whole different person.

You don't know anything about
me or who I am as a person.

I know what a head
over heels girl in love

with the wrong man looks like.

My sisters are going through it now

and I'm gonna be patient with them.

There was a time when I was so obsessed

with someone I wanted to be with.

I was so infatuated with him

that I couldn't see
myself not being with him,

but God had other plans

and He showed me how miserable
my life would have been

with someone who seemed to look good

and seemed to be the best for me.

But in reality, I just didn't have a clear

and raw picture of my life,

Just like they talked
about at Bible study.

I almost don't even care anymore.

What's an amazing Godly man
gonna wanna do with me now,

my sins and flaws and all?

Yeah, I used to think that way too.

I was so obsessed with what
I thought was realistic,

I left no room for faith.

I realized if you're
genuinely pursuing God,

then at that point,

you really have no
excuse to not trust Him.

What if God wants me to be
single for the rest of my life?

I may not be mature
enough to bring my 2 cents,

but we live in a world where
we blame everything on God,

our failures, the devil's schemes.

If you were to be single
for the rest of your life,

it's not because God
didn't bring you anybody.

In the Bible, it says,

"Delight yourself in the Lord
and He'll give you the desires"

"of your heart."

So if it's your desire to get married,

ask God and pursue it.

That's just my thoughts.

You're right, that makes
perfect sense, thank you.

I guess I was just so obsessed with him

that I lost who I was along the way.

It's not me.

Listen, I'm so sorry about the
way I've acted in the past.

It's not who I am.

I was just obsessed with him

that I kind of lost myself along the way.

I've been a completely different person.

- Friends?
- Friends.

So how has the new school been?

It's awesome, I get free coffee,

get to skip class and get to
talk about my life all day.

It's pretty great.

Wow.

That's coming to a close very soon.

For real?

Fine.

Oh, the drama.

It's definitely been
a wild semester so far.

Well, I definitely
wanna hear all about it.

Are you girls done?

You look like you're done.

- Yeah, I am.
- Me too.

I mean, I could always
go for more.

Pig.

Go ahead and enjoy some more.

Clean up when you're done.

Your aunt and I need to talk.

Ooh, that sounds serious.

Wait a second,

does that mean that they're
gonna clean up in my kitchen?

This is great.

You girls growing up is
definitely to my benefit.

Does this mean

I don't get them Christmas
presents this year?

- No, what?
- What?

- No, no.
- No.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

No, I'm kidding.

I already bought you presents.

Are you kidding me.

You gotta wait for them.

Okay, this is big tonight.

So do you always have to decorate

for Christmas before Thanksgiving?

Yes, I do always have to decorate

for Christmas before Thanksgiving.

Put your foot down.

Why are you all up in my business?

Because I'm always up in your business.

Oh, well, you know I'm about to get up

in your business too.

Are you gonna go to church
with the girls on Sunday?

I'm just still trying

to debate whether I should go or not.

So why?

Well, I'm glad they're going,

but I just feel like it's too late for me.

They don't need a divorced woman

at the church justified or unjustified.

I talked to Ralph and Yvette
at small group on Wednesday

and I feel like they're both
the starting to understand

and see what's happening to us.

I even pulled Yvette aside and I'm like,

"What have we become?"

It just seems like ever
since that incident

with a youth pastor,

we've been making more
and more rash decisions

in the church

and it is causing a lot of division.

And I just say all that to say, I mean,

God is your ultimate authority,
not the church leadership,

not your boss at work.

And if you know that
you're right with God,

it gives you the ability to forgive people

who are just being dumb humans.

Can only see things from
their own perspective,

and they're not 100% right about anything.

Even when I told you about what
happened with Pastor Smith,

whatever it is that our
church is dealing with,

whether it's weakened leadership
or people are overreacting

because of past experiences.

And it doesn't change God's
love or affection for you,

but I feel like deep down,
maybe you feel like it does.

But, what about what they said?

Like I'm not fighting

for my marriage like it's all my fault?

Well, I mean, I grew up with
you and I think we both know

that you are perfectly capable of fighting

and I don't even remember one instance

when you were wrong.

Okay, yeah, yeah.

And has anything ever been your fault?

No, nothing has ever been your fault.

Oh come on, I mean, you
know what I felt about Bill?

I mean, I know you were sick of his lies.

I was sick of his lies.

I mean, it's not fair what he
did to you, church did to you.

I mean, it's not fair that you have

to go through a divorce
without your church family,

or start over again in a new town,

a new job, the new school for the girls,

just all of it, single parenting.

But it does remind me of
what mom always used to say.

She said, "Pray for a
spirit of unselfishness"

"even if you don't feel
like you've been selfish."

What?

Well, you know about my new company,

how we buy, sell land, property venues?

Right.

Well, somehow our company
started to do business

with the owner of the plot of land

that owns some businesses,
including the church.

So I requested for that
building to be torn down

and the document just came in this week

and all it needs is my signature.

Okay well, please tell me
that you did not sign that.

No, instead I signed
a check for a donation

to Pastor Smith

and I set that document aside,

maybe to think about it for later.

Okay well, please just tell
me you're gonna tear it up

and throw it away.

- Yes I am.
- Okay, good.

I mean, you just have to pray
for a way to move past this.

I mean, the girls need you.

I can tell Kayla, she has
some abandonment issues.

I know she's getting some
help from the church,

but still, it's still affecting them.

It's affecting all of them
and you and me, mostly me.

- Yes.
- And that's what matters.

Oh yeah, that in itself is just a thing.

Whatever, I always forget about that.

I love you sis.
I love you too.

Thank you.
Oh, thank you.

Are you still talking to him?

What makes you think you have the right

to constantly be in my business?

I've been your best
friend all your life.

I've always been up in your
business and you in mine.

What's so different about now?

I just wanna make my own decisions

and stop being treated like
I'm some dumb little girl

that doesn't know what's best for her.

You know just as well as I do,

people our age don't make good
decisions without guidance.

Let's face it,

neither of us have been
the same since dad left.

Shoot, the only one that's
been normal is Caitlyn.

Caitlyn doesn't count.

I mean, look at her,
everything's a joke to her.

Just like the counselor
says, she's suppressing it.

Maybe she just chooses joy
over dwelling and sadness.

You can make the choice to let
your experiences define you.

You can choose to believe
that all your new friends

from church are gonna one day leave you

or you can trust that God will
bring people into your life,

some permanent and some for a season

and it's your job not to run them off.

You can't trust anyone to stay.

Yes, you can.

Kayla, just just know that God is there

even when others cannot be.

Just concentrate on you there for others.

Think about it, are you perfect?

Do you care for Cami at school?

What?

No way.

She's a friend of mine now.

Very much so.

I'll explain later.

What happened?

Braiden broke up with her
and I took the chance to...

- What?
- Show her compassion.

That's all I felt for her was compassion.

I prayed that God would help
me see her through His eyes.

Was it hard?

It was until I prayed that prayer.

Dear God, why am I doing this to myself?

You've always been so faithful
to me, but out of my anger,

I've turned my back on You.

I'm sorry, please forgive me

for all the wrong decisions I have made

that has led me to sin.

Heal my heart and help me to trust You

and get me back on the path that leads

to life, righteousness and joy

that I know only truly comes from You.

Help me to love my family

and thank You for my sisters and my mom.

And just help me to love
and appreciate them.

I know I haven't been the
easiest person to be around,

but help me to change that.

Heal me Lord.

I'm sorry I've been so rude
and impossible to deal with.

We knew you'd come around.

It's been hard on all of us.

We love you.

And you know God will see us through.

Whose flowers are these?

Girls, who got these flowers?

I did, mom.

Why?

They're beautiful, my
favorite, pink roses.

But why did you get them?

Because you've always been there for me.

You're the strongest person I know.

You are an awesome daughter.

Thank you Megan.

I love you.

I love you too.

And you've always been there for me too.

Kayla, didn't think we'd forget you

on your special day did you Miss. Kayla?

We're taking you out to dinner.

You can't say no.

Oh, I know just the place.

- Happy birthday.
- Thank you, wow.

Oh, look at that?

That is so sweet.

Do you think they'd
mind if I took a video?

Just the creepy aunt in the background?

- Not at all.
- Of the sweet moment.

It's so good to see Kayla happy.

Oh, it's precious, love it.

Well, I have the check

to give to you to give to
Pastor Smith at your church.

Well, you know what?

I am having dinner with
him and his wife tonight.

Do you wanna join us?
Okay, we'll be there.

Awesome.

Well, we regret not having a chance

to really get to know you
better while we were there,

but just this whole experience,
it's taken us by storm.

It sure has.

But, I accepted a new position down,

what, a couple of hours
South of here to a new church

so all is well with us.

Just wish God would have
chose a less dramatic way

of moving us on.

We all do.

But we have learned so much
through this whole experience.

I mean, we sure have.

Oh, so have we.

Really, tell us about it?

I've been through a lot.

When my husband left me, it crushed me.

I mean, really crushed me.

And the hardest part was
that the church didn't help.

I just needed someone to be there for me

and to encourage me.

I just needed to be strong for my kids.

Wanna know how I did it?

Absolutely.

Oh, we really wanna hear it, yes.

With the help of
someone very close to me

who helped me push past my pain.

I started to just abide in the Lord.

I started to press into the
Lord and spend time alone

with Him and reading His word.

The Lord minister to me
personally in my quiet time

and let me realize He was still in control

even in the midst of my loneliness.

And you know what I found out?

God did not forsake me.

When the church shunned
me, that wasn't God,

that was just fallen people
blinded by their own opinions.

But God, He accepted me, and He loved me,

and He forgave me and He
encouraged me to get back up again.

That is the power of Jesus.

- Amen.
- Amen.

I'm so sorry you went through all that.

We didn't realize all that was happening

to you at our church, but
I praise God that the Lord,

He's been ministering

to you the same way He's
been ministering to us.

Hey there, I'm Kyle.

I'm Pastor Harold's son.

I hear you used to go to our church.

How have we not met before?

I don't know.

Okay, time to go.

Yup, got some more gifts to open.

Caitlyn, Kayla where do
you think you guys are going?

I'm talking to you.

Come back here.

Guys, I'm serious.

You'll thank me later.

Oh my gosh.

Oh, no you were not.

Hi, I'm Megan.

Hi.

All right everybody,

it's time for Kayla to give
her birthday speech tonight.

Speech, speech, speech, speech, speech.

Speech,
speech, speech, speech.

Speech, speech, speech, speech.

Okay, okay, okay.

Well, thank you all for
coming and for the presents.

And thank you for just being there for me.

As most of you know,

I'm going through a really hard time.

I appreciate how supportive

and accepting you've all been to me.

It means more to me than you know.

God is healing me and He's
showing me how faithful He is.

This has been an amazing evening.

Your encouragement has showed me

that even when you're hurting,
God can give you hope again.

Now let's see some cake!

You can do a little turn maybe?