Judge Not (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

(bells ringing)

(bells ringing)

(uplifting music)

Are ye able, said the Master

To be crucified with me

Yay, the sturdy dreamers answered

To the death we follow Thee

Lord, we are able

Our spirits are Thine

Remold them, make us

Like Thee, divine

Thy guiding radiance

Above us shall be

A beacon to God

To love and loyalty

(uplifting music)

Are ye able to remember

When a thief lifts up his eyes

That his pardoned soul is worthy

Of a place in paradise

Lord, we are able

Our spirits are Thine

Remold them, make us

Like Thee, divine

Thy guiding radiance

Above us shall be

A beacon to God

To love and loyalty

(uplifting music)

Are ye able when the shadows

Close around you with the sod

To believe that spirit triumphs

To commend your soul to God

Lord, we are able

Our spirits are Thine

Remold them, make us

Like Thee, divine

Thy guiding radiance

Above us shall be

A beacon to God

To love and loyalty

(gentle music)

(uplifting music)

Are ye able, still the Master

Whispers down eternity

And heroic spirits answer

Now, as then, in Galilee

Lord, we are able

Our spirits are Thine

Remold them, make us

Like Thee, divine

Thy guiding radiance

Above us shall be

A beacon to God

To love and loyalty

(uplifting music)

(audience clapping)

(gentle music)

That was a great sermon today.

I wish a lot of these young kids

would wake up and take heed.

Amen, we'll keep preaching

what the Holy Spirit puts in our lips.

- Yes.

- All right.

Good to see you.

Amen.

That was such a nice sermon.

I could just feel the Lord

speaking to us through it.

Amen, well, thank you, Jackie.

You've always got wonderful things to say.

Bye.

Bye.

Good to see you.

Hey, another great sermon, Reverend.

Uh, by the way,

I should have two new

bits for you by Friday.

Excellent.

Ross, I know you'll get

us the greatest deal.

Yes, ma'am.

Good to have you.

(footsteps thudding)

Whoa! (Chuckles)

See, even they're trying to tell you two

to keep apart and keep

your hands to yourself.

Make sure you're treating

this precious young lady right, Cam.

- I will.

- All right.

- [Cam] Thank you.

- Sure.

- Thank you, Pastor.

- Yes, ma'am.

Good to see you.

(birds chirping)

(uplifting music)

(footsteps thudding)

(birds chirping)

(door whirring)

(uplifting music)

(hay rustling)

You know, my dad would

k*ll you if he saw you do that,

especially in his barn.

No, your dad loves me.

That's 'cause he

thinks you're a nice guy.

I am a nice guy.

Stop that!

I'm gonna put straw on your shirt.

Okay, okay.

(hay rustling)

You know, you're beautiful when you laugh.

Only when I laugh?

Okay, you're extra

beautiful when you laugh.

You're regular beautiful

all the other times.

That's better, Mr. Bailey.

You know, a lot more people

would be more beautiful

if they laughed, or at least smiled.

True that.

Like Marge in church,

that lady is so stone cold.

The only time I've seen her

happy is when she's gossiping.

Even then she doesn't smile.

I wonder, would her face crack if...

Okay, we should probably

talk about something

a little more uplifting,

like us going on the

mission trip this summer.

About that, I need to

save up money for that.

I, for food.

I can't stand the stuff that

they've tried to feed us there.

It's not that bad. You're just picky.

Come on now, I'm with you.

How picky can I be?

[Nova] You're gonna get it now, Mister!

Ooh!

(melancholy music)

(melancholy music continues)

(phone ringing)

Do-Do-Do-Do-Do

Do-Do-Do-Do-Do

Can you guys just fix

yourselves some breakfast?

Um, there is cereal, there's

Pop-Tarts in the pantry.

Um, milk, orange juice in the fridge.

Are you okay?

I just, I have a lot on my mind.

Like what?

Are you still thinking about Dad?

I wish that was all.

Then what's wrong, Mommy?

It's complicated, sweetie.

No, it's not complicated.

That's the kind of stuff Dad used to say.

Do you remember that guy

I went on a few dates with?

[Zack] The sweeper salesman?

No, the guy that said he

owned a few car dealerships

in Allison Park.

Oh, you mean the guy

who took us all to the zoo

and made you pay for everything

because he forgot his wallet.

Yeah, um, that guy, Charlie.

What about him?

Did he, did he do something to you?

(melancholy music)

Look, I just, it's adult stuff, okay?

Like what kind of adult stuff, Mom?

Can we just talk about this more later?

I really need to get to

Veronica's right now, and I just-

Mom, I just need to know if

Charlie did something to you.

He didn't hurt me.

Look, I know he wasn't

the nicest to you guys,

and that's the real reason

I told him to hit the road.

Yeah, I know what Dad did to you

and you didn't need

that in your life anymore.

Your father will pay for

his sins, and Charlie will too.

So what are Charlie's sins

and why are you keeping it all a secret?

I, I don't know.

I, I'm not, I'm just,

I just really need to talk

to another adult right now.

(melancholy music)

Charlie isn't coming back, is he?

No sweetie. Why would he?

We don't have any money left.

We don't owe him anything.

I know, but-

No, Mom, you work

hard just to support us.

He doesn't deserve any of your money.

He's not getting any money.

I just... What, Mom?

I'll soon be old enough

to die for my country.

I'm at least old enough to know what's up.

Quit treating me like I'm five.

It's okay, Mommy.

(melancholy music)

(gentle music)

(gentle music continues)

Makes you take a deeper breath

A fear that's pounding in your chest

Hurts and you wanna let it go

But you know that you can't right now

Taking steps, but always back

Dwelling too much on the past

And trying to get better now

But you know that you don't know how

You said this gets easier

But when does this get easier

'Cause the waves are

still crashing on my head

Body says I'm so far ahead

(bell ringing)

I can make it

Jackie!

Hey, what's going on?

I'm pregnant.

(melancholy music)

Does Robert know?

No. Why would he?

Oh, so stupid.

Is it Charlie's?

What do you think I am?

Of course it's Charlie's.

That's not what I meant.

I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking.

Apparently I'm the who wasn't thinking.

It was one time.

Do you remember that weekend

I asked you to watch Casey and Layla,

and Zack went to his friends?

I wonder what happened.

You know, it seems like right after that

he tried to control you.

The worst part is he started

to be a real jerk to my kids.

Put me in a box, fine,

but if you can't treat my children

with love and respect, get out.

So now what?

The little ones probably won't understand,

but have you talked to Zach?

I literally found out a half hour ago.

You're the only friend that

I have that won't judge me.

And I don't know what I dread more,

going home to tell my children

or people at church who

think I'm a good person.

You are a good person.

You just had some bad things happen.

What do I do?

Well, you would tell me to pray.

You would tell me to ask God for guidance.

You know, you have something

that a lot of women want.

What? An ex-husband?

An ex-boyfriend/conman?

A car payment? Take your pick.

No, that's not what I meant.

You have a baby growing inside of you.

I don't even know how I

would take care of the baby,

let alone afford to find somebody

to watch it during the day.

I finally got to a point

with the little ones

where I can leave them with

Zack and I can finish my work.

Now I'm just like 10 steps backwards.

I know it's gonna be really hard,

but I'm gonna be there for you.

How? You work more than I do.

Well, I know my mom will help.

Please don't let this be an issue for you.

I just need to think,

let it sink in.

I have to go home and tell my children.

How do I do that?

I know Zach. He's a great kid.

He'll probably be your biggest

support system besides me.

I have to go.

I, um, I have to figure

out what's for dinner,

pizza.

It's just-

It's just what?

Charlie, if finds out

that there's a baby,

he might use it to get

to me or my children.

He doesn't need to know,

unless you're planning on

taking him for child support.

- You're kidding me, right?

- Yes.

I'm trying to get you to smile.

You know, I wouldn't put it past him

to try to get support from you.

Isn't that the ugly truth?

But he would have to

take me for child support

and custody and win, and

that's not gonna happen.

Hey, whatever you decide,

I'm here for you.

Thank you, Veronica. I love you.

That's what best friends are for.

(melancholy music)

(melancholy music continues)

It'll be okay, hon.

God has a plan. We just need to trust him.

I know.

I just wish,

our insurance only covers testing.

It won't pay for anything else.

Well, God's insurance covers everything.

Just remember that.

[Sarah] Millions of

children don't have parents,

and yet here we are.

(melancholy music)

[Jacob] Look, I found

this today at the bank.

Maybe this is God's answer.

Adoption?

But don't you wanna look at our baby

and try to figure out whose eyes or ears

or nose they have?

If the Lord gives us a

child of love, who cares?

They'll have eyes, ears,

and a nose, regardless.

I don't think I'm ready

to give up on us having a baby together.

If it's His will, then

who are we to question?

I know, I just,

I don't know.

I just feel like somehow

I'm letting us down,

like I'm not doing my job as a-

Sarah... As a mother or as a wife.

Honey, you're not letting anyone down.

If it's His will that we give

a child a home full of love,

then you will have done your job,

as a mother and a wife.

(melancholy music)

I know.

Thank you.

I love you, babe.

I love you, too.

You're gonna make an awesome

mom to whoever God gives us.

(melancholy music)

(engine whirring)

(crickets chirping)

(key clattering)

So what exactly are you

gonna do for the talent show?

You can show off your ninja skills.

Yeah, probably.

I have been taking out

money for a sun blade.

You're gonna sing, right?

I can't sing in front

of that many people,

not by myself, anyway.

But you sing for me and in church.

Yeah, but hymns are

somebody else's songs.

I'm a little shy about putting

my own stuff out there.

Am I special then?

You already know the answer to that.

So if you won't sing,

then what are you gonna do?

Ugh, I'll probably just suck

it up and do my own song.

Well, your songs melt me.

Anyway, come on. I brought something.

(crickets chirping)

(gentle music)

Let's watch the stars.

Is this your effort of being romantic?

I am romantic. No effort needed.

You know, every time

I look up at the stars,

I think of what God said

to Abraham in Genesis 15.

"You can count the stars,

and so shall your offspring be."

Like, how is that even possible?

What do you mean?

Like, there's estimated to be

over 200 billion trillion

stars in the galaxy.

How could the world hold that many people?

How could somebody have that many kids?

I think the point was

that Abraham could never

guess the number of stars.

But I think of all

the kids that are born,

not all of them get parents that love them.

Do you think we get to pick

our families before we're born?

We're not even able to talk.

How can we choose anything?

I guess, but do you think God talks to us

before we're born?

I mean, the Bible does say

that God knows us

while we're in the womb, so-

So there is a chance

we get to pick our families.

I don't think so.

Who would pick a crap house

with a crack-addicted mother

or a dad who beats on them?

True.

[Cam] I think you'd make an awesome mom.

[Nova] Some day.

I think we'd make awesome parents.

Some day.

We're graduating this year.

We should start planning.

We're graduating from high school.

We should probably think

about college first, or jobs.

I mean, how are we gonna feed our kids?

I, I think I'm just gonna get a job.

Have you heard the horror stories

of college graduates?

I don't think I wanna get 100,000 in debt

before I even get hired.

How could I feed the kids then?

Well then, you better get a good job

and stop buying your boy

toys, Mr. Sun Blade Man.

Kids love toys.

Our kids will.

Come here.

(uplifting music)

(uplifting music continues)

(crickets chirping)

(gentle music)

(students chattering faintly)

[Student] And then

after (speaks faintly).

(gentle music continues)

Hey, you plan on doing

anything for the talent contest?

Yeah, how about you?

Well, I was thinking of

maybe singing something.

You totally should.

I've heard you and you

are absolutely amazing.

Thanks, that means a lot.

Of course.

Don't do anything you're

not comfortable with,

but either way, I think you're great.

Okay, so we have the

talent contest coming up.

If you would like to participate

but haven't signed up

yet, please do that soon

so we know how many to plan for,

and invite friends over

the next couple of weeks.

Um, they all can participate as well,

or even just watch.

I wanna participate,

but I'm not really good at

singing in front of people.

Well, I don't think

it's just a singing thing.

Uh, you could do a poem that you wrote,

you could do a skit, you

could, uh, do standup,

you could do a comedy sketch,

you could do something

like juggle or tap dance,

you could do an improv, a magic show.

You could, I don't know,

show us some sketches that you've done.

Maybe a drum solo?

Or a drum solo.

Uh, the point of the show is to raise money

for our mission's trip this year.

Well, I wrote my own song

so I was thinking about doing that.

Oh, that's exciting.

Uh, can we hear it before or,

or must we wait until the night of?

No, you guys have to wait.

I think I'll sing,

I don't know, something.

(students chuckling)

I think I'll do a skit.

Yeah, a skit.

Yeah, Kiki. That sounds great.

Um, I can't wait to see

what all you guys do.

I've been practicing my dance moves.

I hope the stage is big enough.

(students chuckling)

I think, I think I'll

do something similar.

Maybe something with ancient martial arts,

but switch it up a bit.

Yeah, Cam, Cam, that

sounds, that sounds awesome.

I think this is gonna

be a really great night

with some really great fellowship.

So Craig, I've been wanting to tell you,

but great job with youth group.

I mean seriously, your

dedication is amazing

and I think that we can all agree

that we are very excited

to see the talent show.

Yeah, no, the Lord has

blessed us for sure, Ross.

Not just the, uh, youth,

but the whole community

has just gotten so involved.

Uh, we have a bake sale

donated by the lady's auxiliary,

an art exhibit.

Wow, that sounds great, Craig.

Praise God.

I hope the kids clean up

after themselves this time.

I'll remind them, Marge,

but we have to remember,

we can't treat it like

it's a boot camp though,

or we won't have a youth group.

They're kids. This is what kids do.

Well, I'm tired of

cleaning up after them.

They need to work as a

team and learn responsibility.

I agree, but that's where

adult guidance comes in.

Yes, although we do

appreciate everything you do

to pick up the slack, Marge.

Jackie, you're quiet today.

Everything all right?

I'm fine.

I just have a lot of my mind, is all.

Is there anything we

can keep you in prayer over?

(melancholy music)

Not to be nosy or anything, Jackie,

but how are the kids adjusting, you know,

to not having their father in their lives?

Well, I think you should

give him another chance.

Think of what this is doing

to your children, not

having their father around.

I didn't have him run off

with somebody half his age,

and I didn't tell my

kids to hate him for it.

Oh, um, children should

never hate their parents,

and they shouldn't be made to feel

like they're stuck in the middle,

and they have to choose sides either

when adults have a conflict.

Forgiveness is-

My children reacted to what they know.

It was their father

that turned his back on them.

All for a girl that isn't even old enough

to buy a pack of cigarettes,

and I'll have all of you know

that we have moved on.

Then why are you being so snippy,

like a child who just lost her puppy?

I guess I may as well just tell you

and let your judgment fall where it may.

When Robert left, I went on a few dates.

Not that I expect any of you to understand,

but human approval is overrated,

but I'm pregnant.

(melancholy music)

Well, I'd say you evened

the score with Robert.

Yeah, I evened the score.

Well, what else would

you call it? You both sinned.

Let's not get carried away, everybody.

All right, Jackie's in a tough situation.

What she needs is our love.

What she needs is our support.

Listen, Satan thrives

on chaos in our lives.

He loves to cause division,

but God doesn't abandon his children.

We shouldn't abandon each other either.

How will your children feel

about having a half brother

or sister added to the flock?

They'd be more concerned

about the father finding out

and coming back into our lives.

Well, he's gonna find out

when he gets hit with child support.

I haven't thought that far ahead.

I care about my children's feelings,

and I know that they don't want him around.

What kind of man is he and

why were you even with him?

I was lonely and lost.

Lonely or lost doesn't

give you the right to go out

and play house with a man

that you may as well call a total stranger.

(melancholy music)

I remember a certain husband

that left his mortgage payment

book on the breakfast table,

and in little note next

to it saying he's sorry,

but he ran off and fell in love

with that skinny little stripper,

and how distraught you were.

That was 20 years ago,

and I didn't go out and find

a boyfriend and get pregnant.

It wasn't for a lack of trying.

All right, let's not attack each other.

Let's just have a word of prayer.

Holy Father, I, I just pray

that you put your hand on Jackie.

She's going through this rough time.

It just, Lord, I pray that

you'll convict each of us

of our sins and guide us,

in, into how we can

properly love each other,

and it's in your son's name we pray.

Amen.

Before we begin, we'll

have to do a background check

to make sure you guys aren't criminals.

Or if you have the means, basically.

That's fine.

We just, we know there's a process.

We just wanna give a child a good home.

My husband's a hard worker,

and we always make sure the bills are paid.

Like Jacob says, we just wanna

give the child a good home.

And that's, um, well, let's start

by filling out this paperwork.

Unless born, your adoption

is not an easy process.

It can take months, even years to complete.

Uh, why so long?

Aren't there lots of kids

who need loving homes?

Yes, but finding a

suitable match can take time.

Uh, once you're approved,

which can take months,

then you have programs to complete,

and then once that's all recorded,

then we let you know the next step.

If only we knew someone

was giving up their baby.

Well, that would

eliminate part of process.

Okay, well at least

we got the ball rolling.

We'll continue to pray

for God's will. Thanks.

Um, have you tried fertility clinics?

I heard they made a lot of progress

the past three years of treatments.

My insurance will only cover testing.

I have endometriosis.

Jacob's insurance covers

testing and drugs to ease the pain,

but nothing towards surgery

to even attempt to restore fertility.

Well, that is strange.

But they will cover

surgery if it leads to cancer.

Go figure.

Well, I'm sorry to hear that.

Oh look, I'll get the paperwork in

as soon as you get the forms back to me,

and if you have any questions,

please feel free to call us.

Let me know.

(gentle music)

(uplifting music)

- [Ian] Mrs. Madison?

- It's me, I'm here.

Hey guys, how was school?

- Good.

- It was good.

Mom, more watching a movie

about a girl with a brain tumor

and she got to wish for anything.

Yeah, what'd she wish for?

To meet Bigfoot.

Oh my.

So are you ready to talk to us

now they've had your adult chat?

[Ian] A subsequent CT scan confirmed

that a mass is growing

near your brain stem.

Yeah.

[Ian] As soon as they

have a room prepared.

I'm sorry, you guys are the

most important ones to me.

Mom, just tell us what's up.

(uplifting music)

I'm pregnant.

What?

I already got their

degree from the board.

Wait, you told them before us?

It wasn't intentional.

I just, they asked how I was doing,

and Reverend Howard,

he wanted to pray over me,

and it just came out.

I bet that went over good.

Yeah, Marge was all hard

and Faith just had no sympathy.

Well, what did they say?

[Announcer] Think about this.

It doesn't even matter.

100% able or ready

to care for her children,

there's nothing wrong with her giving them

to someone else to raise,

that is 100% able and ready.

Adoption is an honorable choice.

There might be drug or

alcohol addiction issues,

physical or mental health concerns.

You know, I was thinking,

since you guys don't feel that comfortable

with Charlie and he doesn't know,

what if we give the baby up for adoption?

You mean like give our

baby to someone else?

It's a little more

complicated than that, but yes.

Would we at least be able to see them

before you have to give him or her up?

I don't know how all that works.

Um, I just know that they

probably won't want us

to hold our or him for too

long, to get that attached.

Is that the only reason?

Because you don't want

us to see Charlie again?

That's not it.

I just, I don't tell you guys everything.

I don't tell you how hard

everything has been lately.

What do you mean everything?

Rent, bills, groceries,

not to mention your father.

He's fighting me on child support

and I just can't-

Can't what? Feed another mouth?

I mean, I'll be able to get a job soon.

I could help pitch in.

Zack, you are so blessed,

and you have such a big heart,

but this is not your responsibility.

But it's my brother or sister too.

You're not making this any easier.

I'm sorry, but easier is

pretty much irrelevant right now.

Everything is just going up.

Groceries that were $100 are 250 now.

Our rent went up by 100,

and that's because the landlord

said that his taxes went up.

And then last week, the boss pulled me back

just to tell me that I wasn't

gonna get a raise this year.

Sorry mom. I, I didn't know.

You never tell us anything.

Because you're my children.

You're supposed to feel safe at home,

and not worried about

when the next thing is gonna fall apart.

Whatever you decide, we'll be with you.

We just need to trust in God

and he'll work everything out.

You think she'll find Bigfoot?

(uplifting music)

(gentle music)

Hi, can I help you, ma'am?

Hi. Who do I see about adoption?

What's your name, hun?

Jackie, Jackie Robbins.

Okay, well, um, we

just need you to fill out

this form here and, but

both prospective parents

will need to fill it out.

Is Mr. Robbins present?

Um, I'm not here to adopt. I'm pregnant.

Oh, okay.

Well, if you don't mind

filling this out anyway,

and just have a seat.

Someone will see you shortly.

(melancholy music)

(paper rustling)

Hi, um, excuse me,

how far along are you?

Oh, about three months.

I still have to see my doctor.

Um, if you don't mind, why are you-

Giving up my baby?

Well, yeah.

I, I mean-

I have three kids of my own,

an ex-husband who

left me for trailer trash.

This baby's father is a

smooth talking, lazy person

who my children don't wanna be around.

Rent's going up, groceries are going up.

The company I work for

doesn't wanna give any

raises this year, so yeah,

there you go, happy?

Go ahead, judge me.

I, I'm sorry, I, I didn't mean to-

No, it's fine.

(melancholy music)

I'm, I'm sorry.

I didn't mean to snap at you.

What's your name?

Jackie. Jackie Robbins.

Nice to meet you, Jackie Robbins.

I'm Sarah and this is my husband, Jacob.

If you don't mind mind,

we'd like to pray for you.

[Staff Member] Okay, Jackie,

a counselor will see you now.

(melancholy music)

I didn't mean to upset her like that.

I know.

Can't imagine what it's like for her.

Pray for that dear woman.

All right, so our talent contest

seems to be gaining a lot of traction.

Yeah, we have tons of applicants here.

Yeah, how many do we

have so far that are paid?

Um, I'd say 40, at least.

Cool.

Plus, like, a bunch of my friends

from school are asking about it too.

Awesome. Yeah, keep up the good work.

We may have our mission's trip paid for

with just this one event.

I have been practicing

my sun blade routine,

with a broomstick,

but that's until the real

one comes, just wait.

A sun blade. That's great.

I, I can't wait to see you in action.

He's definitely lit.

Nova, speaking of which, you

maybe wanna drop a few bars

of your song for us here now?

Um, not yet, but I am working on it.

I wanna sing something too,

but I'm not a songwriter

and I'm not really feeling

anyone else's music.

All right, so what will you do?

Um, what if she does a

dance routine like Lama's doing?

I haven't totally decided on that yet.

You said you would.

Well, I'm gonna do one

of those viral dance videos.

Yeah, that, that, that

should be interesting.

Maybe I'll sing the national anthem.

Well, I suppose that is the old standby.

If I think of something

else, I'll let you know.

Hey Zack, you're kind of

quiet tonight. Everything good?

Um, yeah, sorry.

I was just thinking of what

to do for the talent contest.

All right, well,

I, I know you've been

taking guitar lessons.

Maybe you wanna give us a little solo?

Mm, yeah, sure.

You totally should. I

think that'd be a great idea.

(gentle music)

All right, we are all set

to go with the talent contest.

Uh, we have over 40 contestants

and the bake sale is all set, too.

Wow, looks like you're leading

a great group of people here, Craig.

Praise God.

So Jackie, how's

everything going with you?

I'm doing.

Any resolution in the matter?

(melancholy music)

I'm gonna give the baby up for adoption.

You know, thousands of

couples out there want children,

and for whatever reason,

they can't have them.

That's what adoption's for.

Don't you think that's a

tad bit selfish on your part?

Selfish?

Selfish would've been if I had an ab*rtion

and didn't tell a single soul.

Do you think this is an easy

decision for me or my children?

Speaking of your children,

I presume you've shared

this with them by now.

Yes, I have. And

they're supportive of it.

Well, you kept the first

three. Why not this one?

That's favoritism.

How's that any better than an ab*rtion?

At least this child will have

a chance at a loving family.

That's how it's different.

Don't those children you already have

live in a loving family?

Yeah, I just don't understand

why she can't handle

one more child in her fold.

I told you guys,

my children are not

comfortable with the father.

If I keep this baby,

he'll eventually find out

and he'll be right back in our business,

but if I give this baby a

good home, he'll never know.

And you see nothing dishonest about this?

All right, enough.

All right, this is not an

easy cut and dry situation.

I think, no, I think

that we should leave it.

Are you taking her side

in this hypocrisy, Ross?

No, I'm not taking any sides.

I just think that we

need to pray for Jackie

in the situation, all right?

We need to pray that everything works out

to God's glory, not ours.

I move that Jackie step down

until she can straighten

her sins out with the Lord.

And I don't think we need to jump

to such a rest decision, hon.

Are, are you taking her side as well?

No, no, I'm just-

Against your own wife,

who you vowed to love, honor and cherish?

No, no.

I'm, I'm not trying to take anybody's side.

I just think that we need to

not make any big decisions

without talking through things first.

I have to be excused.

(melancholy music)

Well, I, I can't decide against my wife.

I don't know.

Uh, Jackie, I, I'm sorry,

maybe the best decision is

to have you step down just,

just until we see how things play out.

I agree, it's bad enough

she had an indiscretion,

but to dodge the responsibility?

I think she's being very responsible

by giving up her child to a home

that can provide love for it.

But this doesn't send a very good message

to our young people who face the temptation

to have sex every day.

This is ridiculous, all right?

I'm abstaining from this motion.

Me too.

I agree. I abstain.

On the record, I abstain,

but I agree with Marge.

It just sends the wrong

message to our young people.

You know what?

I'll just do you all a favor and quit.

I'm gonna stick it out to

the end of the talent show

for my son's sake, but afterwards,

we are finding a new church

where judgment doesn't flow like a river.

Come on, Jackie!

Wait a minute!

Jackie, please don't.

(suspenseful music)

I think we could have handled

this in a much better way.

(melancholy music)

Yeah, but you understand

where I'm coming from, right?

I can't side against my wife.

Well, you can't lead a church either,

as long as your wife's

calling all the shots.

Sorry, Reverend, but

that's the straight truth.

(melancholy music)

(gentle music)

(engine whirring)

Desperation tainting my decisions

I just wanna have control

But if you were to let that happen

I would paint my name a fool

One of us knows better here

And I know that it's not me

But all this weight is getting heavy

So just take my cross away from me

And you say

It gets easier

But when does it get easier

'Cause the waves are

still crashing on my head

Boat is there, but it's so far ahead

And I'm not sure

I can make it through the storm alone

You threw me a rope,

but it's so hard to climb

Can I keep pushing, do I wanna try

The joy in the journey

Is just so hard to find

But you and rain

With rainbow

And you and I, we stay

So if I keep on

Trusting you

Everything will be okay

And you said

It gets easier

But when does it get easier

(door thuds)

(footsteps thudding)

(game beeping)

(door slams)

Mom?

(footsteps thudding)

Are you okay?

I'm fine.

No, but you're not fine. You're crying.

I quit the board at church today.

What? Why?

Marge and Faith think

I should keep the baby

regardless of what anybody else thinks.

Mom, you got conned by a guy

after Dad took off for greener pastures.

Don't talk about your father like that.

He walked out on me too.

He walked out on all of us.

He didn't just walk out on you.

I know, and I'm sorry,

'cause I know you're in

more pain than you feel.

Mom, you're doing the best you can.

Honestly, I feel like they'd be happier

if I just went and took care

of it and didn't tell anyone.

That's terrible.

Ignorance is bliss.

That's so sad.

Well, what now?

I just wanna be alone.

(uplifting music)

Great job, everyone,

getting the talent contest planned out.

You all have just done above and beyond.

I'm so excited.

Me too. I can't wait.

I've got my dance routine down.

I'm ready to go.

Zach, what's this I hear

about your mom having another baby?

Um, well, yeah,

but we're putting it up for adoption.

Why? Don't you want

another little brother or sister?

When our dad left us, it

hurt my mom very, very bad.

A smooth talking jerk came along

and preyed on her weakness.

I don't blame my mom.

I mean, she didn't mean

to get pregnant or anything,

and she could have easily gone to a clinic

and nobody would've even

known, but she didn't do that.

She chose life for the baby

because she, no, we

didn't wanna see that guy

in our lives anymore,

and we're barely getting by as is.

We decided it was a better decision

to give the poor, innocent child a chance

at a loving home

with a family that's

actually ready for them.

At least the baby's gonna have a family.

And I completely

understand what he's saying.

They're gonna be ready to raise him.

Well, how about the rest of you?

What would you guys do

if you were in the situation?

I mean, I would hope you would wait

until you were married to have relations.

I'm waiting, but if I

was in this situation,

I would definitely give up my child

if I wasn't ready to raise it myself.

Yeah, but you said you're waiting, right?

Yes, but the question you asked was

if I was in this situation.

Yes, that's right. I did.

I know what happened

at the board meeting,

and I think Faith and Marge are wrong.

My mom is a good mom.

She did not deserve that

from the people she

thought were her brothers

and sisters in Christ.

(gentle music)

What'd my gram say?

Well, she just expressed her feeling

that giving up a child is

sending the wrong message

to young people like yourselves.

You know, giving an easy way out.

I'm sorry, Zack.

She can be very unfiltered at times.

And yes, yes, that's right.

This is true, yeah, she, she can be,

but did she not have the right to say

what she felt in that moment?

Not when it made my mom come home crying.

No, I agree with Zack.

Should've just kept

her thoughts to herself.

I second that. You guys?

Yeah, she should have.

Yeah, well, maybe.

(gentle music)

(upbeat music)

Hey, hey

Woo-Hoo

Oh, babe, hey, hey

Oh, babe, hey, hey

Woo-hoo

(upbeat electronic music)

Oh, babe, hey, hey, oh

Dear, we have a beautiful

day for our talent show,

and I just, did you see the art exhibit?

I mean, they had these beautiful

photographs of butterflies.

They're just amazing.

And the, the bake sale,

donuts were delicious, yes.

Did you save me any?

Oh yes. I think there's some left.

We have a beautiful turnout.

So many kids auditioning.

Yeah, youth group's done

a fantastic job this year

getting this thing set up.

See a lot of new faces though, too.

Wow.

Maybe some of them

may be in church tomorrow.

Yeah, perhaps.

Oh, okay, dear, I'm gonna

go sit there in the front row

and videotape, okay?

Sounds good.

All right.

(people chattering indistinctly)

Mom, don't worry about them.

It's their problem, not yours.

I know, I just feel so

awkward with everyone here.

No one in the youth group blames you.

Craig even brought it up.

Yeah, Craig.

(people chattering indistinctly)

[Sarah] Well, hello there.

Hi!

Sarah. We're Sarah and

Jacob Matthews from the center.

Yes. I'm lousy with names.

I'm so sorry I was short with you guys.

Oh, no apology needed.

Small world, huh?

It is. These are my children.

Hi.

We have Zack, Layla, and Casey.

What a beautiful family you have.

Thank you. So how

did you guys find us here?

Well, we just moved here from Philly

and we were looking for a good church.

We saw the flyer on

our car a couple days ago

for the talent show, so

we decided to check it out.

Well, welcome to our little church.

Hello, everybody.

Thank you for coming out

for our talent show today.

I know that all the participants

and the performers have been working hard

to make sure that we've

got a treat for you tonight.

So without further ado,

first up, we have Alana

singing the national anthem.

(audience clapping)

O say can you see

By the dawn's early light

(suspenseful music)

(sun blade whirring)

(upbeat music)

(sun blade whooshing)

(upbeat music)

(sun blade whooshing)

(audience clapping)

(upbeat music)

(audience clapping)

Wow, great job, Cameron.

All right, I'm sure the

judges are gonna give you a,

a great score on that one.

All right, and now something

we've all been waiting for.

Get ready to hear a brand new original song

from our very own Nova Lee.

(audience clapping)

Lord, You are the living water

Drink from You and my soul is satisfied

I dwell in You and my cup runneth over

And drawing from Your work

My well is never dry

And You hold me

Under the water

Oh, I feel

Like I'm struggling to breathe

But when I come back up

To the surface

Lord, I know

That's You surrounding me

Oh, oh, oh, when I'm drowning

Oh, oh, oh

You're reaching out to me

Oh, oh, oh

When I'm drowning

Oh, oh, oh

You're reaching out to me

(audience clapping)

(audience cheering)

(upbeat music)

Hey, hey

A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty-ta-at

(feet tapping)

Hey, hey

Woo, oh

(guitar strumming)

(audience laughing)

(upbeat music)

(audience laughing)

(drum pounding)

A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, a tooty-ta-ta

(audience clapping)

Dum, dum, dum, du-du-dum

(dancer humming)

(audience laughing)

A jet pack I saw earlier,

or a sith, was it?

Are you from Tennessee?

'Cause you're the only 10 that I see.

(audience laughing)

(gentle music)

(audience clapping)

And the home of the brave

(audience clapping)

A tooty-ta-ta

A tooty-ta, a tooty-ta, ta-ta-ta

(audience clapping)

(audience cheering)

(audience clapping)

Just be glad that nobody

put you up for adoption

when you was born.

I love you grandma,

but sometimes you, you can be such a jerk.

All right, wow, we've had a lot of great,

talented people here today.

Let's hear it for everyone

who contributed here tonight.

(audience clapping)

(audience cheering)

All right. Wow.

You know, I truly wish

that I could award first place

to everybody that performed here tonight,

um, but there can only be

one person in the top spot.

So, all right.

Okay. Not too shabby.

All right, in third place

we have Cameron Bailey

with his sun blade routine.

Let's give it up for Cam.

(audience clapping)

All right, Cam, good job.

All right, for our second place winner,

and let me tell you it was a closed vote,

um, let's hear it for Willow.

(audience clapping)

All right, little Willow.

All right, and now for

the talent show winner,

Nova Lee!

(audience cheering)

Good job. Good job, Nova.

(audience clapping)

(audience clapping)

You okay with third?

Yeah, I mean those girls can really sing.

Not as good as you, obviously,

but I'll be a better ninja by next year.

You'll always be my number one ninja.

Oh man, thanks.

Your song was breathtaking.

Thanks. I didn't really plan on winning.

I just entered to be supportive.

Wait, is, is that Jackie?

Yeah, I think so. She seems upset.

(children shouting indistinctly)

It's just not fair.

They think that whatever

position they choose in the matter

is what God wants them to do.

I can't help but that Marge's

husband left her 20 years ago,

and that she spent the rest of her life

taking it out on the

world and not moving on.

But that Faith and the

reverend couldn't get it together

and have a child.

Neither one know how scary it is.

You don't owe anyone an explanation.

You have to do what's best for you,

and for the children

you're already raising,

by yourself, quite nicely, I might ad.

Thanks. It's not just about me.

My children are terrified of Charlie.

If I could just raise this baby on my own

without him knowing.

You're a good person.

Don't these church people

know that you could just sneak off

and have it terminated?

No, no brownie points for choosing life.

They think that because I

wasn't held down and forced,

that I should just spend

the rest of my holidays,

birthdays, and graduations

with a guy who thinks I can pay my bills

and his with his lies.

And you shouldn't have to.

Yeah.

He felt that whoever he

chose to bless his presence with

was a lucky person.

Well, you don't need that

kind of blessing in your life,

and neither does that baby in there.

You're right. I just can't take the risk.

It's just some people-

Some people can just take

a long walk off a short pier.

I knew there was a reason

I didn't go to that church.

It's not even the church,

it's just a few of the people.

(children shouting indistinctly)

Man, I feel bad for

Zack and his whole family.

Yeah, let's go back to my

house before they see us.

Yeah. This is awkward.

(children shouting indistinctly)

Mom? Dad?

Hey look.

(suspenseful music)

(paper rustling)

At the store. Back around five.

So we have the house

store itself for another hour?

I know, we have to be good.

Craig said we shouldn't.

Come on girl. You love me, don't you?

Yeah, but you just heard Jackie.

Do you want us to end up like that?

Who says we're gonna end up like that?

We will if we don't put

the brakes on here, mister.

This is different.

We love each other, right?

Well yeah.

Okay then, we're safe.

Plus, everybody knows that the chances

of us getting pregnant on the first time

are like one in a bazillion.

And who says I'm

ready for the first time?

Oh, we kinda can't do the second time

till we do the first.

Funny.

Okay, how about we

say this is the second time,

and leave the first for another day?

- You have no concept.

- What do you mean?

I knew you were the one

for me the first day I saw you.

I was five.

I mean the first time I saw

you as a beautiful young lady,

not as a little kid anymore.

You're so hard to win an argument with.

(uplifting music)

(gentle music)

So Mom, I've been thinking.

What about?

Do you think maybe we

should look for a new church?

Why do you say that?

Because Mom, the way

that they're treating you,

it's like they're trying to live your life,

and not even once have they brought up God

or Jesus or anything like that.

It's just, "You should do

this," or "You shouldn't do that."

Zack, everywhere has judgmental people,

not just in the church.

I know that, but I don't know.

You shouldn't come home from church crying.

That was one time and

I've quit the board since then.

But that's my point. It

shouldn't happen at all.

I kind of already told the board

that we might be looking for a new church.

And what'd they say?

I don't know. I walked out.

But I'm sure Marge had plenty to say.

Craig was trying to get the youth group

to put themselves in our

position and see what they'd do.

So they're making an example out of us?

Well sort of, but they

all kind of stood up for you.

Craig just kind of put his

head down and dropped it.

Sounds about right.

(gentle music)

I can't believe Jackie

wants to throw her baby away.

A gift from God, and she

just wants to throw it away.

Clearly it wasn't planned.

Does that give her the

right to compound her sin?

Oh, it's not a sin to give

a child up for adoption.

It's shirking responsibility,

responsibility for an act

that was clearly within

her means of control.

We don't know all the

reasons for Jackie's decision.

And we're not responsible

for knowing them.

Our directive from the

Lord is to call out sin

when we see it.

And again, it is not a sin

to give a child up for adoption.

You continue to take her side over mine.

I'm not taking anybody's side.

We both know the real

reason you feel this way.

(melancholy music)

(Faith sighs)

It isn't fair.

All I ever wanted was for us

to have a couple of children

running around the house,

and to watch them grow

and someday have children of their own.

This one little thing

was always just out

of reach for me, for us.

Romans 9:20-21,

"Who has the right to say to the potter,

'Why have you made me this way?'

Or 'Why have you made me that way?'"

Doesn't the potter have the

right to the same lump of clay

to make either a vessel for honor

or a vessel for dishonor, for common use?

So that's all we are, lumps of clay?

Well, for whatever reason,

God decided not to give us

a, a, a family with children.

I mean, but he did give us a flock to lead.

He gave us sheep to

guide and, and to teach.

Sheep, but sheep aren't the same.

You can't hold them in your

lap and cuddle them to sleep,

and watch them take their first steps.

I know. This is the hand we're dealt.

You know, I mean, it doesn't seem fair.

This is what God gave us.

You know, what it doesn't

do is give us the right

to judge people out of jealousy.

I'm not jealous of her.

I feel sorry for her, for any woman

who could be so easily fooled into bed

by an economically handicapped,

lying, cheating, angry man!

(gentle music)

Ladies, let's welcome

Jackie to our group.

- [All] Hi Jackie.

- [Jackie] Hi.

[Host] Jackie, would you

like to share your story with us?

Yeah. I'm pregnant.

I, I was married for 16 years.

My husband had a midlife crisis, I guess.

He ran off with a girl.

That's what she was, a girl,

just five years older than our son.

Anyway, shortly after, I met this guy,

and he just started

saying all the right things.

He told me that my husband was a loser

and that I was a peach on a window sill.

You are very pretty,

Jackie. I just love your hair.

So Charlie, my, this man,

my knight and shining armor,

presented himself as well-connected,

and well-funded, a savior.

It didn't take long before I gave in,

and shortly after,

he would forget his wallet

and I'd pick up the tab.

Little things like that.

But then he started following me around,

and then he was accusing me of cheating,

but then he started to

treat my kids like crap.

You need to get away from him.

You did, right?

Yes.

Finally, he decided to bless

someone else with his love.

About a month after, I

realized I was a little late,

and I took a pregnancy test, and yeah.

Come here.

Thanks. So here I am.

Charlie doesn't know, and my kids and I,

we do not want him to know.

So do you know what you wanna do?

I just don't want

Charlie to ever find out.

Has he tried to contact you?

Not since I told him I

didn't have any more money.

Wow. So he was a scammer too?

Among other things, yes.

So Jackie, have you

been to see your doctor?

I've been tested for STDs,

and as of right now, nothing's shown up.

But the part that gets me

the most, it's my church.

I've been a Christ follower for years.

It's Him who has gotten me

through this storm in my life,

but some of the people at my church,

they're just not as kind.

They think that since I wasn't held down

and brutally forced, that

I should just suck it up

and raise the baby,

even co-parent with him.

I guess that's why I'm here.

I just wanted to see how it

was working out for you all.

Uh, would anyone else like to share?

Yeah, um, yeah, I'll go.

Um, mine would've been five right now.

You know, every time I see a 5-year-old,

I think mine could have

looked just like him or her.

If I wouldn't have had an,

if I would've chosen something else,

then maybe things could

have been different, you know?

But I didn't, so instead I just,

I just cry and I walk away.

Well, I often wonder who

mine would've grown up to be.

If it was a boy, would

he be a baseball player?

Or if it was a girl,

would she be a ballerina?

Mine would've been 12.

And I know he was a boy

because he still haunts me in my dreams.

Most nights I wake up screaming.

My husband has to calm me down.

I go through the same

thing, but I started drinking,

and I'm fine.

For me, um,

well, for me, um,

I struggle with forgiving myself.

And everybody tells me that God forgives,

and I should have faith

that every single will be fine.

Um, I'm sorry, um,

but I'm not sure how to do that

when, when I hate myself for my decisions.

[Participant] It'll get better.

Well, my doctor finally

gave me, uh, some happy pills,

but now I can't sleep.

Yeah, 'cause that's a real prescription.

Well, he changed it to Kpins.

Yeah, right.

I have a prescription for that.

Yeah, sure, a prescription in your head!

Oh, whatever, little girl - Me, me, me!

You don't know anything.

You know what, save it for a therapist

because the only person

that can actually (indistinct)

That hears you speak is

someone who gets paid to.

Calm down, okay? Let's have a seat.

It'll be okay. We'll be okay.

Okay, maybe we all

should just take a short break.

Please remember, people

and situations can change,

and we are here to support one another.

Mm-hm, that's right.

Sit down little girl.

Aren't you needed at the nutty ward?

[Participant] I'll take you

to preschool on the way there.

I didn't realize

what personality I was

speaking to (indistinct).

Oh, I will show you

all the personalities.

[Participant] You won't do anything.

[Participant] Oh, go sit in

the corner and cry some more.

[Participant] I don't cry.

(both shouting indistinctly)

I don't know what I was thinking.

I guess I just had to see it myself,

but those girls were so-

They're hurting.

Just because you have the right to choose

doesn't mean you escape the pain.

One girl had nightmares.

Another girl can't look at a 5-year-old

because that's how old her child would be.

Well, I guess it confirms

what you already knew.

You can't let a few church people

and their baggage make you doubt yourself.

It's just so hard

when I've considered these

people to be like family.

It's like everything just

fell apart when Robert left.

Like it was my fault.

Nobody blames you. Not even Robert.

Except as an excuse

to live his fantasy life.

Bet Marge does,

and that rude of a reverend's wife.

I can't keep my man happy?

That's ridiculous, and

you and I both know that.

This Marge sounds like a hot mess.

(suspenseful music)

(Nova crying)

(footsteps thudding)

(Nova crying)

(suspenseful music)

(door thumps)

(toilet paper rustling)

(suspenseful music)

- Oh, hi, Nova.

- Hi, Marge.

You're crew fared very

well at the talent contest.

Yeah, I, I guess so.

Are you all right?

(melancholy music)

Oh, no, dear Nova, no.

I, I don't believe it.

It was just one time.

Did you think that it would

take more than one time

being irresponsible like that?

I, I don't know what I'm gonna do.

- Does anyone else know?

- No.

I, I just took the test now.

Does anyone suspect?

- No, I, I don't think so.

- Well, then it's simple.

I think you should just

go get it taken care of.

What? How can you even say that?

All sins are equal in God's eyes.

But ab*rtion is m*rder.

What makes this one any different?

It will give you back

your life as you know it.

Those babies go back to God.

It's not like they go to hell or anything.

I can't believe what I'm hearing.

I think it would be for best.

(ominous music)

I gotta go.

So what are we gonna do?

I don't know.

You told me it wouldn't

happen on the first time.

No, I said the chances of

it happening the first time

were like one in a gazillion.

Well then, welcome to the world

of winning the baby lottery.

Ugh, it wasn't supposed to be like this.

What was it supposed to be like then?

I don't know. I'm just a 17-year-old.

Exactly.

This is why we shouldn't

have been messing around.

(melancholy music)

Look, I know this is my fault.

It's our fault.

Okay, but we gotta figure

out what we're gonna do next.

My parents are gonna be so disappointed.

I'll go with you and explain everything.

There's nothing to explain.

I'll tell them it was my fault.

Look, I wasn't forced.

After we drop the b*mb,

they're not gonna care

about what we have to say.

I know my dad.

He'll have his meltdown and blow up,

and then a day later he'll be all rational.

(Cam chuckles)

What? Nothing about this is funny!

Just thinking about

what my mom always said,

no matter how big I thought of a problem,

she'd always tell me, "One day,

you'll look back on this and laugh."

Well this isn't one day.

This is here and now.

You need to get serious or

you're gonna make this worse.

Any chance of that? Yeah, yeah.

Speaking of your mom,

what's she even gonna say?

Are you gonna even tell your dad?

I never see my dad, like ever.

And my mom, she just

wants me to get a job and-

And what? Have a family?

Not like that.

She just wants to see me succeed at life.

Is this even gonna help?

Look, my mom is not gonna be all torn up

like your mom and dad, but she does care.

Well, is she ready to babysit for us

so we can go out and get

jobs to support ourselves?

Because my parents are just gonna flip.

Look, look, let's just pray about it.

Then we'll go tell your mom and your dad.

I don't know what then.

Okay, we can wait for

the right time to tell them.

I mean, we have a couple of months before-

We can see the watermelon?

Oh, I wish we would

take things serious for once.

(melancholy music)

I'm sorry.

All right, look, let's

just pray about it, okay?

Okay.

(melancholy music)

Good morning, everyone.

This Sunday, I decided to focus

on the book of Matthew 19.

In this chapter, the Pharisees

are trying to trick Jesus,

to catch Him in His words,

and, and they ask Him a question,

in verse three, they ask

Him if there's any reason

that a man and woman

should be able to get divorced.

You know, should man be able

to put it away for any reason?

Jesus answered and

replied to them in verses 4-6,

and He said a few things.

He said that they were

created male and female.

And then He said that for

this cause, for marriage,

a man would leave his

father and his mother,

and he would cleave to his wife,

and they, too, would become one flesh.

And then furthermore, He said in verse six,

He said, "What God has joined together

let not man put asunder."

(gentle music)

The Pharisees then asked

Jesus, "If that's the case,

then why did Moses allow

for Israel to get a

certificate of divorce?"

Jesus said it was because

of the hardness of their hearts

that he allowed them to do that.

But from the beginning, it was not so.

(gentle music)

So we have it on scriptural grounds.

It's not God's plan for us to divorce.

It's a sin. We're not to divorce.

Our society today has

normalized all kinds of sin.

There's so many things going on,

but divorce, hey, that's only one of them

that's so prevalent.

Proverbs 8:13,

it tells us the fear of the Lord

is hatred of evil, and of the evil way.

So what are we supposed to do?

Are we supposed to ignore sin?

Are we supposed to let it slide by

so we don't stir the pot, so

we don't make people angry,

so we don't cause confrontation,

so we don't ruffle someone's feathers?

No, my brothers and

sisters, we are to call out sin.

We are to confront it where we see it.

(gentle music)

What's the matter, Jackie?

Why don't you just say

who you're talking about?

I, I don't know what

you're in reference to.

What do you mean?

You know exactly what I mean.

But in case a few of you haven't heard,

most of you know I'm divorced.

My husband, father of my children,

left us for greener pastures.

Then a smooth-talking man came along.

I wasn't looking for

anyone, or to even date,

but he had all the right things to say,

things a woman in my

position needed to hear,

not just that I was pretty or smart,

but that I was worth something,

and that I didn't have to be alone,

and that my kids didn't deserve

to feel abandoned either.

Jackie, you were weak.

You were open to be deceived.

You should have prayed.

Prayed? You think I didn't pray?

That's all I did for weeks.

I prayed for the pain to end

for myself and my children.

I prayed to end the emptiness

and the feelings of betrayal.

I prayed for sleep so I

wouldn't lose my job or my house.

So yes, Reverend Howard, I prayed.

We've established that

it has been a difficult time

for you and your children,

but that doesn't begin to

excuse the promiscuity that just-

Oh, promiscuity? Really, Faith?

Do you even know what

that word means? Do you?

Because if you don't,

maybe you should look it up

before you start to use

it in accusatory ways.

Jackie is our sister, and she was a victim.

She was the victim of a promiscuous man.

It takes two to tango,

unless Jackie wants to say she was forced,

but none of us have heard her say that.

So that's my sin now? I wasn't r*ped?

When I walked outta that

board meeting a few days ago,

I said I was taking my kids

and finding a new church.

My son even suggested it.

Jackie, I hope we can work through this.

We don't wanna lose you.

(gentle music)

We don't wanna lose you, Jackie,

but if that's your choice-

My choice?

My choice was to have a family

and attend a church with fellow believers,

brothers and sisters in Christ,

people to be there for me

when times get hard, not judges.

My choice is nothing

but a pipe dream, is it?

I understand.

In the church's defense, I think the reason

that you were initially met

with such hostility isn't

because you started dating

after your husband left,

or even that it resulted in a pregnancy.

Oh, I know,

because I chose to give

my baby up for adoption.

Instead of being happy

that I didn't sneak off

into some dark and dingy clinic,

I chose to give this

precious little gift from God

to a family that could

provide it a decent life.

Instead of being my support

in a storm, I was judged.

Would that have been

more acceptable to you?

Ignorance is bliss, right?

Well, that's what Marge told me to do.

She even offered to drive me to the clinic

and pay for it so that no one would know.

(congregants gasping)

What is she talking about?

I don't know, honey.

Guys, may as well let this out now.

Me and Cam, we didn't listen.

It was my fault.

She wanted to wait.

I love this girl,

but I, I couldn't wait.

So now what are you gonna do?

Both of you, since, obviously,

telling us wasn't your first thought.

I'm going to get a job,

and, and I...

(gentle music)

We were thinking of giving

up our baby for adoption,

just like Jackie.

(congregants gasping)

(gentle music)

(congregants chattering indistinctly)

(gentle music)

I'm Jacob Matthews.

This is my wife Sarah.

We recently moved here from Philly,

and we met Jackie at the adoption agency.

We've been trying to

have a baby for four years,

but we believe that the

Lord has kept us childless

so that we could be that loving home

for a child who wasn't exactly planned.

You can imagine our surprise

when we wandered into the

talent show and saw Jackie,

but what's more surprising is the way

that she's been treated

by those who are supposed to love and lead.

(gentle music)

Well, the you of all

people should understand

what it is to be barren!

(Faith crying)

I think the reason, the real reason

that Jackie was met with such revilement

is because the Howards are unable

to have children themselves,

and I think they're jealous.

I don't think that's fair to say.

Am I lying?

I didn't say you were lying.

I just said it's not

fair to say it that way.

Well, maybe it isn't fair.

Maybe it isn't fair to the Howards,

but I guarantee you it is as

fair as the judgment they cast,

or you for that matter, Marge.

It isn't fair! It isn't fair!

For years, we've prayed for a child and,

and then quite by accident,

someone who already has three children

she can barely take care of-

[Jackie] Which is exactly

why I made the decision that I did.

Well, guys, I'm just a teenager.

Obviously, I don't always

make the best choices,

but Jacob and Sarah, I can only hope

that one day I'll be as good

of a parent as you guys are.

(gentle music)

And I might just be a teenager too,

but when I was five, I was adopted.

I don't remember much

about my birth parents,

but somehow I, I got these burn marks

all over my back.

That says enough for me,

and I'm grateful for the

family who adopted me.

(gentle music)

Faith, I didn't mean

any offense towards you.

I was just making the

best decision I could.

I, I know you did.

I know a great adoption agency

that's looking for good

homes to place children.

(gentle music)

Faith and I,

we've sort of accepted

that the Lord isn't gonna

give us children of our own,

but He did give us an

entire flock of sheep to lead.

I'm just afraid that maybe

we've failed all of you.

You haven't failed us.

What you failed to do is overlook sin.

You've only called out sin.

(gentle music)

Is it Marge?

We believe that everything

happens for a reason.

In God's kingdom, there are no accidents,

just things that our pea

brains have yet to understand.

It was no accident that we

found that flyer on our car.

It was no accident that

we met the lovely Jackie.

It was no accident

that Sarah and I cannot

have children of our own.

I know many of you are hurting

from things that weren't your fault.

Marge, I don't know you,

but it's obvious that you're hurting worse

and for far longer than

anyone else in this room.

We are here for a reason, Jacob and I,

and it's not just because we need a baby

to give a good life to, and no,

we don't think we can rescue

you all from your heartaches.

Lord knows we have enough of our own.

But what we have to offer is love,

not just to a child, but to

fellow brothers and sisters,

those who we'll spend eternity with.

We're told in Ephesians

5:2, "Walk in love",

just as Christ died for you

and gave Himself up for us

"as an offering and sacrifice to God."

(melancholy music)

(uplifting music)

(children shouting indistinctly)

(upbeat music)

(water splashing)

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

(water splashing)

(baby cooing)

(water splashing)

Hi, there, little guy.

Is mommy taking good care of you?

He just keeps eating and growing.

So how's school going for you two?

Um, it's going pretty well.

We just finished our first

semester at Penn State,

and I finished with a 3.2.

I have a 4.0.

I'm so happy for you two.

You have great lives

ahead of you, both of you.

Thank you.

We're so glad that we could give you guys

and our son a great family.

And do you have any

plans for after school?

Yes, I want to be a teacher,

and Cam wants to be a general contractor.

Any plans together?

Uh, we're gonna keep on dating

and see where the Lord takes us.

Well, I hope we're

invited to the wedding.

We wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, you guys can

visit little Daniel anytime.

So what will you tell him

once he's old enough to ask?

Well, we'll tell him that

two very kind young people

who weren't quite ready to be parents yet

decided to give us a very special gift.

And someday, when he is ready,

and if you two don't mind-

Let's just wait on the Lord on that,

in His time.

Yeah, that's probably for the best.

Yeah, I think we can all agree on that.

[Cam] Yeah.

(babies cooing)

[Guest] I can get the baby for you.

Oh, thank you.

(upbeat music)

Jackie, so good to see you.

So happy you decided to keep your baby.

Nevertheless, I was way out of line,

accosting you the way I

did, and the others too.

That's okay.

I can totally see why

you felt the way you did.

And I'm sorry that you

couldn't have children.

Well, we have to trust God

to know what's best for our lives,

and sometimes it isn't

the same for everyone.

That's very true.

This is my friend Veronica.

She's expecting now.

[Faith] Oh, congratulations.

Veronica, Pastor Howard.

Very nice to meet you.

Look forward to having you visit us

in church, uh, some Sunday soon.

So just wondering here,

I know you had a, a lot of

things you were considering,

but, you know, about the father?

Yeah, shortly after Charlie left town,

his next victim was an

undercover FBI agent.

So his sins finally caught up with him.

I guess he was on their radar for fraud.

He was stealing from some

child's cancer fund or something.

So he's going away for a while then.

A long time.

He had, what, eight

counts of felony against him.

He opened nonprofits

and then took the money.

There was even a grand jury and everything.

So I guess he won't be coming around

to see his daughter anytime soon.

Yeah, no, she'll be an adult, at least,

by the time he gets out.

Yeah, I guess it all worked out.

Veronica even put a good word for me

at the firm that she works at,

and I start next week making double

what I made at the last place.

Everything worked out

for God's honor and glory then, Amen.

(uplifting music)

Just a little celebration.

And it looks great.

What are we celebrating?

Happy endings to new beginnings.

Marge, we all owe Jackie an apology

for the way we treated her.

We were so busy thinking about

how her decision affected us

and our lives that we

never stopped to consider

how she was feeling.

Hey Jackie, how are you?

It's, it's nice to see you.

Uh, we just wanted to

say that we really miss you

at the board meetings.

Isn't that right Craig?

Yeah, yeah, it's really

good to see you again.

Um, your baby is very beautiful,

and, and I'm really sorry

for the way I, I treated you

and your family.

I guess sometimes I get

so caught up in, you know,

teaching the do's and

don'ts to the kids that, um,

sometimes I just forget the gray areas.

Yeah, and I think that

what Craig is trying to say is

that we would welcome you back to the board

anytime you're ready, but if

you're not, we understand too.

As soon as I get settled

into my new job and new house,

I'd love to.

Great, um, and if it's

not too much trouble,

we already organized a team

to help you with the move.

It's the least we can do.

What? You're moving?

Yeah, three bedrooms was

just too small for my g*ng.

I'm always the last

one to know everything.

So we are gonna start working as a team

for other people, helping out

instead of just acting like

a group of religious people

who just get together

one day a week on Sunday.

So a lot of good has come from this.

I knew it would all work out.

I knew you'd make the right choice.

Oh, Marge, this is my friend Veronica,

and yes, she's pregnant.

Do you feel him kicking?

I do.

(gentle music)

Revelations 21:5, "Behold,

I make all things new again."

(upbeat music)

(upbeat music continues)

(water splashing)

(children shouting)

Lord, You are the living water

I drink from You

And my soul is satisfied

I dwell in You

And my cup runneth over

Drawing from Your word

My well is never dry

And You hold me

Under the water

Oh I feel

Like I'm struggling to breathe

But when I come back up

To the surface

Lord, I know

It's You surrounding me

When I feel

Like I'm fighting the current

Father, I know

That You control my fate

When You call me

To walk on the water

I rise above

And take each step with faith

And You hold me

Under the water

Oh, I feel

Like I'm struggling to breathe

But when I come back up

To the surface

Lord, I know

It's You surrounding me

As the waves

Are crashing above me

And I sink

Beneath the surface of the foam

When I feel

Like this fear is here to crush me

You hold me here

To grow and overcome

And You hold me

Under the water

Oh, I feel

Like I'm struggling to breathe

But when I come back up

To the surface

Lord, I know

It's You surrounding me

Oh, oh, oh

When I'm drowning

Oh, oh, oh

You're reaching out to me

Oh, oh, oh

When I'm drowning

Oh, oh, oh

You're reaching out to me

Veronica, Aaron, Aaron O'Dell.

[Cast Member] Aaron O'Dell!

[Crew Member] Bring it in. Bring it in.

Do we need to cut?

[Cast Member] You got it. You got it.

- [Aaron] No.

- [Director] Action.

Veronica, Captain Howard.

Very nice to meet you.

[Crew Member] Captain Howard?

Captain Howard, really?

Wow, where did that come?

[Cast Member] Blooper reel.

[Crew Member] All right,

back to the line. Let's go on.

Where did that come from?

[Cast Member] I think you.

There's a little something to celebrate.

[Reverend Howard] It looks amazing.

What are we celebrating?

We make all things new again.

[Aaron] No.

[Crew Member] You

looked right at the camera.

Oh, I'm sorry.

[Crew Member] Back to one.

No, we don't.

What do we say?

[Crew Member] (indistinct)

and we cut around it.

Revelations 21:5.

[Crew Member] You

looked right at the camera.

[Judy] Oh, I did not.

[Crew Member] Back to the belly.

Here's a little something to celebrate.

[Reverend Howard] That looks amazing.

Happy.

[Reverend Howard] What are we.

[Crew Member] One more.

[Aaron] You gotta wait for me.

Yeah. Okay.

I know I have a line

that's after his line.

I'm gonna put that

cake in his face, okay?

Revelations 22:5,

"Behold, I make all things new again."

[Crew Member] 21:5.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Shall we do that again?

Come on now, I'm with you.

How picky can I be?

You're gonna get it now.

Ooh!

[Crew Member] We lost Kaylie?

[Crew Member] We lost a mic there.

- [Crew Member] Is she okay?

- [Kaylie] Yeah!

- [Crew Member] Is she okay?

- [Kaylie] Yeah.

[Crew Member] Are you good?

[Crew Member] We lost an actress there.

(uplifting music)

You hold me

Under the water

Oh, I feel

Like I'm struggling to breathe

But when I come back up

To the surface

Lord, I know

It's You surrounding me

(uplifting music continues)

(uplifting music ends)