Holy Hustle, The (2025)

[bunniefuu]

Did you take your melatonin?

Don't.

Have you been

spending too much time

on your devices, Mr. Collins?

Mm.

Gambling, gaming,

porn?

Oh, it's far worse than porn.

At least porn is honest

about what it's selling.

Okay, come on,

it's not like that.

Uh, I'm not following.

Pastor, do you

know what it's like

watching your young-buck husband

fall in love with his phone?

So is it one of those

new AI platforms?

No, it's a real flesh

and blood woman.

Aren't you listening to me?

I, I I, I thought I was.

And here's the kicker.

He's paying for it.

Paying for the privilege

of being noticed.

You don't understand,

she's different.

No, she's just paying

her way through school.

Are you for real?

That is the oldest stripper

hustle in the book.

She's not a stripper, okay?

It's not even

really that sexual.

Not sexual?

She's on camera naked.

She ain't naked.

She's just scantily dressed.

Oh, well, thanks to you,

our joint account is

now scantily funded.

How much have you

spent on this woman?

$7,000, Reverend.

$7,000.

Oh my, that, that

is a lot of money.

So is this one of those

new online platforms or?

It's called Sexy Peeps?

It's like if porn and

gambling got together

and had a baby.

She calls herself

MaryMagdalene89.

Whatever that's

supposed to mean.

Pastor, you know why I

married a younger man?

For adventure, for romance,

and now I'm being replaced

by a Wi-Fi signal.

I can only imagine how

disappointing that is.

She's targeting good

Christian men with her act.

Several of them right here.

Other members of

our congregation

communicate with this woman?

Hell yeah.

I ain't snitching on anybody.

I think it's

because she's local,

guys think they have

a real shot at her.

But not me though.

We just talk.

How many men of our

congregation see this woman?

Count all the men checking

their phone during your sermon.

That's how many.

Pastor, you need to

get a hold of this,

before that she-wolf tears

through your entire flock.

Well said, Mrs. Collins.

Deacon Hayes.

Thank the good Lord you're hear.

I will handle

this, Mrs. Collins.

He certainly will.

Well, I feel better

on account of your

assurances, Deacon Hayes,

and thank you.

The Collins' contributions

to the church

have fallen dramatically.

You need to pull

out all the stops.

I will do my best.

Corinthians 9:13,

"Those who serve in the temple

get their food from the temple."

Donations are the...

-The life blood

of the church.

I understand, Deacon Hayes.

And I am sure the good Lord

will show me the way.

Paint your perfect

picture in shades of blue

Living in a story where

it's all about you

Harmony searching

for a piece of sky

While time reveals

Every sacred lie

Big meeting today, huh?

That's right.

Still don't see

how these meetings

are helping you with your

psychology degree though.

Well, psychology is everywhere.

It's about understanding people

and using that to

your advantage.

Okay, but shouldn't

you be done by now?

It's been years.

Doctoral degrees take time.

And it's a lot more

research than you think.

Mm.

I'm going to Aunt Charlene's.

Not yet.

I don't like you

going to Charlene.

She's always

filling your head up

with all her evangelism.

I like what she has to say.

Mom, I've never seen

you pray before.

We don't even say

grace before we eat.

Prayer doesn't get

you to your goals.

Action does.

So before you start

cleansing your heart

with Aunt Charlene,

first you're going to that

global warming lecture

at the college.

Are you kidding me?

It's Saturday.

Yeah, dean of admissions

will be there.

It's my dream weekend,

listening to someone drone

on about the polar ice caps.

It's not just about

global warming,

it's about optics.

Showing the dean you're

engaged and proactive,

not just some kid bed

rotting on TikTok.

You gotta get your

hustle on, sweetie.

Optics, got it.

College is right

around the corner.

And yes, optics matter.

Mm.

Well, nothing screams

well-rounded student

like being forced to care.

Okay, so you gonna,

you gonna hug me

or are you just gonna run off

to Aunt Charlene?

-Mm.

Mm.

I love you.

Love you too.

Ah

Come as you are with the

weight of your chains

Weight of your chains

Bring all your

doubts Game time.

Bring all your shame

Bring all your shame

Peter.

Let's get straight to

business, shall we?

I'm ready.

I've been reviewing

your expenses

and they're very concerning.

Have you been creative

with the books again?

I have my reasons.

I don't want your

excuses, Peter.

Confess.

I was reckless and,

uh, I lost control.

Mm.

Actions have

consequences, Peter.

You know that.

And now you have to

be held accountable.

Yeah. There's no judgment

Just truth

Tell me, Peter,

do you want me to be

merciful or cruel?

Cruel, cr-cruel, so cruel.

I deserve it.

Mm. Single mama

With dreams too big to fail

Mr. Blackwell.

Hi.

Seems like you've

been neglecting

your responsibilities again.

You gave a generous

donation today.

Do you like pearl necklaces?

Are you ready for some dessert?

Did you really mean

to make your payments?

I have a question for you.

Are you lying to me?

Have you ever heard

of the phrase,

"Leave a little to

the imagination?"

Do you know what

happens when you lie?

You know what my

favorite dessert is?

You like honey? Met a pastor

Who saw through

my masquerade

Tried to save my soul while

his own face started to fade

Both of us pretending

we got all the answers

Til' the truth came crashing

like an avalanche, sir

Ooh. They say the devil

Comes dressed

in Sunday's best

But who's more honest,

me or their righteousness

Maybe I should make

you work for it.

Now I'm teaching others

how to truly break free

How would you like to be

punished, Mr. Blackwell?

A little bit of mystery?

Yes.

What did you say?

5,000.

Can you send me 20 grand?

I don't see it.

Do you agree?

Where is it?

Oh, you're so good to me.

Through the shame

'Cause I finally

won this game

Oh

God, forgive me.

Mm, a shepherd, huh?

-Hello.

-How noble.

Harmony Davis?

Wow, starting with

my government name.

Okay, how did you...

-AI search

is pretty incredible.

I found an old Linkedln profile,

a Twitter handle from 2018.

What can I do for

you, Shepherd12?

You have been targeting

and tempting too many

congregation members at my church,

that needs to stop.

What congregation is that?

First Baptist.

I mean, I have fans

all over the world,

but I guess we lately your flock

is hungry for something new?

Guess so.

I used to go to First

Baptist as a kid,

sat right in those pews.

Sunday school,

youth group, choir,

the whole shebang.

You grew up in town?

Went to my church?

Coincidence or miracle?

Coincidence, I'm sure.

That church wasn't for me.

Too much sin there.

Sin? That's not what we do.

That's apparently what you do.

Oh, so I'm the problem?

Not the men buying my services

or sneaking into my DMs?

You are leading them into sin.

These men are neck deep in

sin by the time they find me.

What does it say in

that Bible of yours?

Oh, yeah, Proverbs 19:3,

"A person's own folly

leads to their ruin,

yet their heart rages

against the Lord."

I am here to counsel them

through their sin, not you.

You sure about that?

Very certain.

Just stay away from my flock.

You don't know me.

Flock you.

You know what?

I know your path,

and it's nothing but

rebellion wrapped in cash.

Okay, high horse.

My turn.

You're Pastor Marcus Thompson,

waiting to take over First

Baptist for two years.

Still hoping for that approval

from the Council of Deacons.

That's why so many

in your church

think you're dating

Deacon Hayes' daughter.

What's her name, Rebecca?

Keep her name out your

mouth, you know what?

I think that we're done.

Whatever.

You should hear yourself.

Just keep my flock

out of your inbox.

You pass your

collection plate around

and I'll pass mine.

Goodbye.

-Happy birthday.

-Ooh, yeah.

Oh, yeah.

Why are you sitting in

the dark, Pastor Thompson?

Or should I say Mr. Sexy?

Just dealing with the

Collins situation.

The thing is...

It's okay, Marcus.

I know that you're a straight

an arrow as they come.

So I've been looking over our

plans for the rehab center,

and it seems we need to

increase our donation efforts.

Really, uh, I thought

we had almost reached

our fundraising goal

for last quarter.

Yeah, well, um, there were

a few administrative fees

that, uh, messed

with the bottom line.

But not to worry, my daughter

is on that committee,

and Rebecca gets the job done.

And speaking of

getting the job done,

when do you plan on proposing?

V-Very soon.

I'm just practicing my proposal

like I practice my sermons.

God is good.

You know, as soon as

you two tie the knot,

I'm gonna make sure you

have the pastor position.

Thank you.

Of course.

You know what we should do?

We should time your

engagement announcement

with our fundraising efforts

for the rehab center.

That will definitely

boost donations.

Yeah.

You need some cash on the ring?

Because I can always

move some money around.

No, Deacon Hayes, thank you.

I've got that under control.

Okay.

Welcome to the family, Son.

Thank you, sir.

Cornbread's on you Thanksgiving.

Ah.

You look like you're

about to give a sermon.

Should I sit in the

front row or the back?

Uh, yeah, m-maybe sit.

Okay.

You're acting weird.

Rebecca,

you are such an important

part of my life.

You have supported me

through everything.

The church, late

nights, the pressure.

You've always managed

to keep us grounded,

managed to keep us

connected to each other,

to what really matters.

Rebecca Hayes-Marcus, are you?

Oh, it's beautiful.

Will you marry me?

Oh yes, yes, of course.

Oh, Marcus.

Aw, it's so unique.

Aw, the sapphire

and the diamonds.

It's my something blue

and my something new.

Well, it's your something blue,

but it could be

your something old.

-Huh?

-It was my mother's ring.

Oh.

Your mother's?

-Yeah.

She wore it her whole life.

Marcus, I can't.

Oh, no, she would've

wanted you to.

No, no, it's, it's beautiful.

I just don't know how I feel

about wearing something

that, you know,

belonged to someone

that's no longer with us.

Uh.

Oh, I think it's stuck.

Well, it, it's a

family heirloom.

I, I thought it

would mean something.

It does, it, it totally does.

It just, it just kind

of gives me the willies.

-The willies?

-Not in a bad way

or anything.

Just kind of in the way

where it like, you know,

it kind of belongs in a

display case or something.

An engagement ring

in a display case?

You know what?

We should just

pray on this, baby.

Let's do that.

-Yeah, yeah, let's pray.

Dear Lord, thank you

for this beautiful day

and this wonderful man.

We know that you

guide us in all ways,

including our steps

and our choices.

Please help us on

finding the right ring

to symbolize our love.

Amen.

Amen.

It's God's will.

Praise Jesus.

Mm.

God is good

All the time All the time

All the time God is good

God is good

And I'd like to

thank Sister Collins

for her delicious

cornmeal muffins

that helped raise money for

our Sunday school ministry.

Thank you.

But before we go any further,

I've got a special

announcement to make.

Finally, Pastor Marcus Thompson

proposed to my

daughter, Rebecca Hayes.

And she graciously

said yes,

and they are engaged.

Come on up here, girl.

May their union be blessed.

-Amen.

-Amen.

Now, without further ado,

I know what y'all

came here for today,

another beautiful sermon

by Pastor Marcus Thompson.

Come on up here and

give us the word.

Thank you, Deacon Hayes.

Temptation is the shadow

that follows us all.

-Mm.

-Mm-hmm.

In this modern world,

it's ever present.

The allure of greed,

the distraction of ambition,

the hustle that

keeps us running,

but leaves our soul weary.

-Ooh.

-Oh, Lord.

The lies we tell ourselves

to justify slipping away

from what truly matters.

-Mm-hmm.

-Uh-huh.

But the devil isn't

always so obvious.

-Yep.

-Uh-huh.

He sneaks into our

lives in a whisper.

-Yes, he does.

-Mm.

A moment of weakness,

a neglected promise,

a hand turned away when

it should be extended.

-Yeah.

-Right.

Amen.

We've all felt it,

the struggle, the doubt.

I know I've felt it.

-Mm-hmm.

-Yeah.

But I am here today to tell you

it's not too late.

It's not too late

because faith can bring us back.

-Yes.

-Oh, yes, it does.

Back to what matters,

back to our families,

back to our mission.

-Yes.

-Oh, yes, Lord.

Back to the light.

-Yes.

-Oh, yes, Lord.

So today, let's not

hear the word of God,

but let's live it.

-Mm.

-Yes.

Let's resist the temptations

that would tear us apart

and hold fast to what's

good and what's true.

-Yes.

-Right.

And choose love.

Let's choose faith.

Amen.

Can I get an amen?

-Amen, brother.

-Amen.

Can I get another amen?

-Amen.

-Amen.

Yes, sir.

Pastor Marcus Thompson.

And with faith comes

accountability.

Surely we don't want

just empty promises,

we want results.

-Amen.

-Amen, brother.

And speaking of results,

the Lord has called

upon us to step up.

Our Faith and

Rehabilitation Center

is not just a pipe dream,

it is a lifeline.

-Amen.

-Yes.

And every dollar that we raise

brings us one step closer

to results for our community.

-That's right.

-Yes.

So as Pastor Thompson just said,

we don't just come here

to hear God's word-

-No.

-No.

We come here to live it.

-Mm.

-Yes.

Let's show him the results

that he wants to see.

-He wants to see.

-Amen?

Amen, brother.

-Amen.

-Amen.

Amen.

All the time All the time

All the time God is good

God is good

All the time

Here you go, sweetie.

And grab some clothes

for the little one.

It's gonna be cold tonight.

And there's some toys too.

Riley.

What are you still

doing out here?

Helping Auntie Charlene.

I've been waiting

outside for 10 minutes.

I texted you to be ready.

I thought Riley

could spend some time

doing something meaningful.

You know, giving back?

Riley's still a kid,

she doesn't have

anything to give yet.

Well, she has her

time, her presence.

Something I think you've

forgotten the value of.

Mom, it's just an hour.

She's been showing me

how everything works.

Mm-hmm.

Go grab your things.

It's time for your tutor.

It's okay, honey,

I'll finish up here.

You go with your mom.

You work so hard to give Riley

everything money can buy,

but what about the

things that it can't?

I mean, don't you want

more from your life

than the path you were on?

My path is right and I'm

providing for my child just fine.

Well, I'm talking

about your choices.

I see where it's all heading.

You see what you wanna see.

But if you and your Bible

could stop judging me,

then maybe you'd

see who I really am

and where my path

is actually going.

Well, just want better for you.

You mean your version of better?

Well, maybe my version

of better is better.

At least it's a

life with purpose.

I mean, you used to

want that too, remember?

You had dreams.

What happened to finishing your

psychology degree, Harmony?

I'll be the judge of

what's best for me.

Let's go, sweetie.

I'm far from perfect

But I'm still here,

still standing tall

Through every fear

I lost my way

But if I'ma fight

And I won't let the

past define my life

Oh, that's stunning.

You have great taste.

Oh, bless you.

Yeah, I've always had a

thing for vintage jewelry.

Oh, vintage is a big no for me.

In fact, that's why we're here.

My fiance proposed to

me with a vintage ring

and I just couldn't, you know.

-Couldn't what?

-Wear it.

I mean, it used

to belonged to his mom

and she died five years ago.

It gives me the chills.

Yeah, my daughter

thinks the same way.

I always tell her,

dead people's jewelry

carries the best stories.

-Really?

-Mm-hmm, absolutely.

It's a romantic nod to an era

when things were made with love

and attention to detail.

Besides, vintage jewelry

reflects superior craftsmanship.

It's hard to replicate today.

But don't you just feel weird

knowing that someone

else wore it?

Not at all.

For me, it's about the history,

the lives it's touched,

the moments it's witnessed.

Hmm.

I'll take it.

Thank you.

Sorry I took so long.

Parking was impo... ssible.

Oh, well, if it

isn't Pastor Marcus.

Wait, you two know each other?

Um, yeah, yeah, uh, um,

uh, Har-Harmony's, um,

new, new new to the church.

Yeah, he's been trying

to save my soul.

Aw, that's wonderful.

-Mm.

-I mean, isn't Marcus

such a gift?

Yeah.

I'll try that one, please.

Yeah, it's perfect.

-Yeah, it's, it's great, but.

-Aw.

Aw, oh my God.

It's, it's nice, but it's a

little bit out of our budget.

That's okay, Daddy

can cover the rest.

Absolutely not.

It's nice, but it's a little

bit out of our budget, no?

It's okay.

Amazing.

10,000?

Yeah, you can just put it

on my credit card on file.

Thank you.

-10,000 for used jewelry?

Marcus, we should sell

your mom's engagement ring

so we can cover the

rest of this one.

I'm not sure I'm

comfortable with that.

Well, why not?

Might I interject?

A mother's ring

carries a unique story.

Stories about love,

family, tradition.

Even if you don't wanna wear it,

you should just hold on to it.

Keep it in your new

beautiful family.

Well, when you put it like that.

Well, I'm running late,

but good luck on finding

your perfect ring.

Maybe Daddy could just cover.

It's not gonna happen, Rebecca.

Mm, we'll see.

It's beautiful, I love it.

Harmony, I'm going to be blunt.

You have to submit

a completed thesis

in two months' time

or all your previous

credits expire.

All of that hard work,

years of hard work, gone.

Do you have a topic

for your final paper?

Uh, yes, I do.

Uh, counseling a man of God

on the modern world.

He's, in fact, he's a, he's

a well-regarded pastor.

Who is this pastor?

He's an old colleague.

And he's willing

to do the requisite

amount of hours with you?

Uh, it has to be

documented on video.

I'm sure he's game.

Good, excellent.

Get started immediately.

I want your outline

by next week.

Thank you, Dr. Parker.

Figures.

There you are.

I wanted to apologize.

For what?

For lying at the jewelry store.

I wasn't expecting...

No apologies needed.

You were in a crisis.

Engaged to the wrong woman,

lying was your only way out.

I lied because I didn't

wanna complicate things.

No judgment, just truth.

In my experience, men of

faith are pros at lying.

Start small just to

smooth things over,

and then come the bigger

lives to save yourselves.

You'll get plenty

of practice, Pastor.

Okay, enough.

I don't have time

for your games.

Just stay away from my flock.

Well, then, I have a

proposition for you.

Proposition?

I am a man of God.

What are we talking about here?

I'll stay away from your flock.

No DMs, no late-night chats,

no tips, nothing.

And what do I have to do,

sell my soul to the devil.

And in return,

you do several hours

of therapy with me.

God bless.

I'm so happy you're

coming around.

I would love to counsel

you in the word of God.

How does 2:00 p.m.

tomorrow sound?

No, you don't understand.

I'd be counseling you,

for my graduation thesis,

counseling a man of God.

You'll be my Guinea pig.

sh*t.

You're a student?

Shocking, isn't it?

I can actually do more

than just spread my legs

and hustle men.

I actually have a brain.

Now, do we have a deal?

I'll leave your flock alone,

and in return, you meet with me

for as much as I need

to finish my degree.

Deal.

Good.

First session's

tomorrow, be ready.

2:00 p.m. work?

Yeah, I think so.

Great, see you then.

God is good

Won't he do it

All the time

Won't he do it Won't he do

God is good

Won't he do Ooh

Follow me.

See, Rebecca's been preparing

for this her entire life.

Her mother, God rest her soul,

would've been so proud.

Hmm.

A strong God-fearing woman

raising another strong

God-fearing woman.

-Hmm.

-Just what a pastor

needs by his side.

Mom always said I'd make

someone a good wife someday.

I'd like to think

she'd be proud too.

Amen.

I'm the lucky one.

Sis?

Pops?

-Jonathan?

-Whoo.

Smells like nostalgia in here.

Come here.

Ah.

Well, if it is in

my favorite trio,

family, food,

and a 1998 French Bordeaux,

straight from the region itself,

you won't find better

in all of France.

That so?

Rebecca.

Looking good, Sis.

Whoa, is that it?

It's the ring.

Look at this beauty.

More than two months' salary.

Holy sh*t.

Nice work, Rev.

-Hmm.

Or should I say,

nice work, Pops?

That's enough, Jonathan.

Mm, dinner smells divine.

Hey.

Let me guess,

Michelin-star takeout,

or is this all you, Sis?

It is all me.

Look at you.

Domestic goddess.

Church royalty.

Worth more than rubies.

What do you say, Rev?

Shall we toast to my sister

and her future sainthood

with this ruby red concoction?

Uh, I don't drink.

Haven't had a sip

since seminary school.

Helps to keep me present.

Righteous to the core.

No wonder my pops loves you.

To Rebecca.

Sparkling ring, sparkling eyes,

sparkling future.

You really set

the bar high, Sis.

So I imagine you

two will be, um,

consummating this relationship.

Jonathan.

We've decided together

to wait until marriage.

No drinking and

no messing around?

Okay.

See, what you feel to

understand, Jonathan,

is that marriage

is a partnership.

It involves sacrifice

and commitment.

Being a pastor's wife

is not just about

being a spouse,

it makes her the

cornerstone of the church.

Cornerstone of the church.

Damn, that sounds heavy, sis.

Maybe, uh, slow

down on the wine.

Come on, it's my first glass.

It is not your first.

Sadly, it won't be your last.

To marriage

and to corners that don't

crumble under pressure.

Boy, sit down so we can eat.

See, everyone is running

to Godless therapists,

calling them professionals.

Our facility is

purely faith-based.

And don't forget

it is doctor approved by me.

Dr. Jonathan Hayes.

And I have personally

created this program

at True Faith

Rehabilitation Center

to guide you on your journey

of being closer to God

and away from your addictions.

When we open, you need to set

a better example in public.

No one wants to go to a rehab

run by a lush,

doctor or not.

Maybe I wouldn't be a lush

if I went to real rehab

instead of shilled

for yours, hmm?

The church and the

True Faith Rehab Center

will provide those who

struggle with addiction

everything they need.

You know, back in my day,

when people had a problem,

they took it to God,

not some stranger

with a clipboard

charging $500 an hour.

That is a racket.

True Faith Rehab is a racket.

Nothing but a tax-free grift.

-I'm sorry?

-You heard me.

I need some air.

You see what happens when

people lose their way?

You remember that when you're

counseling your flock, Pastor.

Speaking of which,

have you dealt with that

Sexy Peeps woman yet?

Yes, Deacon, it's,

uh, it's handled.

Good.

Glad to have her out of our hair

Hmm.

God is good.

All the time.

Yeah, yeah

Uh-huh, let's go

I'm free as f*ck

I do what I want

Talking about me,

that's cute, but don't

They stay in my biz,

but they stuck at home

Worry about me,

better fix your own

Top down, base up,

feeling real nice

Hit the gas, take flight

I don't think twice

10 missed calls, why

you blowing up my line

If it ain't about money,

I don't got the time

I ain't asking, I just take

Hey, hey Got no ceiling

I don't wait Hey

They play checkers,

I play chess

Hey Make my move

Then leave no trace

I don't need no team

telling me what's next

Bet on me, no safety net

In the mirror, see a boss

What I'm sorry for

No permission, no regrets

Tell 'em, say less

I'm free as fluff

I do what I want

Talking about me,

that's cute, but don't

They stay in my biz,

but they stuck at home

Worry about me,

better fix your own

Jonathan?

Oh my God.

I don't even have any makeup on.

Um, what?

It's been so long.

How's the sobriety going?

Better than ever.

-Bad boy.

-Cheers.

Help me help you

So are you up for a little movie

and a late-night cuddle?

I would love to,

but I gotta catch

up on some work,

some things at the

church that can't wait.

You're always working.

I mean, doesn't

it wear you down?

Ah, the church

doesn't run itself.

Of course.

But just promise me

that you will come with me

to that open house on Elm

that I've been

talking to you about.

Right, sure.

Open house on Elm.

S-So, your brother,

he was a lot tonight.

I know, I'm, I'm so

worried about him.

Addiction isn't easy.

He's under investigation

right now at the hospital.

They say he's been showing

up drunk to surgeries.

He left a sponge

inside of the patient.

Jesus.

I mean, dad's trying

to keep it quiet,

but you know how

these things go.

He needs real help, Rebecca,

You think I don't know that,

but every time I

try to talk to him,

he's just,

he'd rather drown

than have me offer

him a life vest.

He could sink

everyone around him.

You, your father, the church.

He needs the church.

I know you can help him.

Thanks for dinner.

Help me

My dad just parades around

like he's some holy king,

but it's all a show.

Another church-run rehab center?

Just lining their own pockets.

That's their hustle.

God, my family's so.

All their secrets,

all their lies.

They paid me 50 grand a month

just to develop the program,

and I didn't do sh*t.

They just slapped my name

and title on brochures.

It's all about optics.

What do you mean optics?

Ooh

I, I said too much, forget it.

sh*t. Save me

Save me

Save

Come in.

Pastor Marcus.

I just had to come

by and say thank you.

You know that harlot who's

been tempting my husband,

You know, in the Bible,

Mary Magdalene was

called a harlot too,

but she turned her life around.

All I know is that

that cam wh*re

is not draining our

bank accounts anymore.

Hallelujah.

Well, uh, I'm glad to hear it.

You don't understand, Pastor.

Last night was the

first time in months

that my husband

prayed before bed.

That woman is out of our lives.

Amen.

I knew you could handle it.

You always do.

Well, I'll let you

get back to your work.

God bless you, Pastor.

There's my shepherd.

Ready to start?

Before we begin,

I need to say thank you,

for honoring our deal.

I've already gotten

some feedback.

A deal's a deal.

So this thesis of yours,

what exactly are we doing here?

"Crisis, Conviction

and compromise:

The psychological toll

When faith leaders wrestle

with conflicting values."

And you think I'm in crisis?

Um, marrying the wrong woman

seems like a crisis to me.

Rebecca is not the wrong woman.

And I have faith that

everything will work out

the way it should.

Faith is a lie wrapped

in good intentions

in a collection plate.

Wow.

I wouldn't put it like that.

You're the one

passing the plate.

Is this what these

sessions are gonna be,

you trying to test my faith?

No, not at all.

No judgment, just truth.

Prayer alone doesn't

change real-life problems,

action does.

Faith is action.

No, faith is believing

something will happen,

action is making it happen.

That's what I wanna explore.

How crisis forces faith leaders

to decide when to stand on faith

and when to take action.

Well, you won't be mad if I

poke holes in your theory?

Go ahead and try.

I'll be honest with you

if you be honest with me.

Honesty, from a man of God?

That's rare.

I don't lie.

The best lies are the ones

y'all tell yourselves.

I guess we'll see.

Save

Save

Save me

Daddy?

There you are.

I just brought in

another huge donor

for the True Faith Rehab Center.

He's coming in at

prosperity partner level.

-Hmm.

-Isn't that fantastic?

Well, praise the Lord.

Fundraising efforts

are going well.

Where there is no profit,

there is no purpose.

You mustn't get complacent.

Of course not, Daddy.

I'm, I'm just headed out

to the open house on Elm

I was telling you about.

-Mm.

Marcus is gonna meet me there.

I think it's just

perfect for a pastor

and his first lady,

has this huge

entertainment space,

marble floors, five bedrooms.

It's perfect for...

-Okay. there is no need

for a play by play.

Make it happen.

You always do.

Okay, I'll let you

know when it's handled.

Mm-hmm.

God is good,

all the time.

God is good

All the time All the time

All the time

It's perfect for

planning events,

fundraisers, group

prayer sessions,

you name it.

But we can't take

too long on this one,

I know it'll go quickly.

I mean, five bedrooms,

marble floors, a chef's kitchen?

Marcus, imagine the legacy

we could build here.

It's impressive,

but it's out of our budget.

Well, top-tier properties

always cost a bit more.

And I mean, once you're

officially pastor,

the church will help.

The people wanna

see their leader

in a place that

projects success.

-Success?

-Mm.

Success shouldn't come at the

expense of the congregation.

Rebecca, it's not our money,

it's the church's.

This is an investment

in leadership, okay?

Just like the True Faith Center,

which, by the way, people

are thrilled about.

Yeah, I've been looking at

the financials of the rehab.

Those numbers don't

sit right with me.

Half the budget is tied

up in administrative costs

and consulting fees.

I mean, that's not what

we promised the church.

Marcus, that's how

these things work.

I mean, you pay the right people

so the project

actually gets built.

So that's it, we just accept it?

Turn a blind eye?

We can't preach about

faith and righteousness

while we pad other

people's pockets.

God helps those who

help themselves,

and we're helping the community.

So even if there are a few

uncomfortable line items.

"Whoever can be trusted

with very little

can also be trusted with much,"

Luke 16:10.

Where does it end, Rebecca?

It ends with a rehab

center that changes lives.

I mean, the single mother who

finally gets to help her son

isn't gonna care where

the permit came from.

And I mean, the congregation

isn't gonna resent you

for having a proper home.

I need time, time to pray,

about the house, the finances,

everything.

Well, don't take too long.

I mean, a house like this

will not be on the

market forever.

And the True Faith Center

definitely can't be paused.

You just gotta have faith, baby.

Yeah, Faith.

Started to think you

chickened out, Pastor.

Sorry I was late.

I had an open

house with Rebecca.

Ooh, ring, house.

It's moving fast,

even for a man of God.

Let me guess, um,

big place, marble floors,

fancy chandeliers?

Yes to all the above.

Rebecca wants to host

the whole church.

She thinks the

funds are endless,

but it just feels wrong.

Yeah, well, you're the pastor,

if you think it's wrong,

do something about it.

Or does she wear the

collar in the relationship?

Or maybe it's her father?

Don't even start,

can we just move on?

You look different today.

Yeah, you don't look

half bad yourself.

Too bad your beauty is

wasted on customer service.

Ah, my beauty is

far from wasted.

That's why my customers keep

coming back for my service.

How's your, um,

service coming along?

Just fine,

congregation's engaged.

You should drop by

for Sunday service.

Mm, not for me.

I've sat through more sermons

than you've delivered.

I know the fake smiles,

the fatherly advice,

pretending they care.

I don't do fake smiles, Harmony.

Okay, well, it's your story,

I'll let you tell it.

So how exactly do you handle it

when your personal life

and your spiritual life

don't match up?

I pray.

Sometimes I question myself,

my motives, my choices.

But I trust God will guide me.

How cute.

Did you learn that

in Sunday school?

Prayer doesn't waver,

it's the faith behind it.

Okay, interesting.

What happens when

your faith does waver?

-It doesn't.

-Really?

Um, how was your faith

at the open house

with the little missus?

You like to poke at

people, don't you?

Mm, only when those

bubbles to burst.

Mm.

Ugh.

Um, I got a client request.

Do you mind if I get changed

while we finish this up?

Uh, changed?

You're a man of God, Pastor.

I trust you not to peek.

You seem distracted, Pastor.

I was just thinking about

the open house again.

Uh-huh, sure.

I see you peeking.

I wasn't peeking.

Marcus?

Oh, perfect timing.

Hi, fiance.

-Wait.

Oh, Marcus.

Sorry to barge in

on you like this.

Are you feeling okay?

You look a little tense.

Yeah, I, I, I was just

doing some pullups

and, uh, my, my biceps

are a little tight.

Oh, well, I actually came

in here to apologize.

I know I've been putting

a lot of pressure on you

about the house,

and big decisions aren't easy.

And you've already got so

much going on at the church,

I'm, I'm sorry if I've

made things harder for you.

Right, the house.

How many pullups did you do?

You're practically dripping.

Um,

I, I was, um, dealing with

a personal private urge.

Look, I know it's a sin,

and I'm sorry and it

won't happen again.

Oh, Marcus, that's all?

Hey, that is completely natural.

It's nothing to be ashamed of.

-It's not?

-No.

And I completely

understand the feeling,

like you just can't wait

'til our wedding night.

I feel the same way.

We do what we have to do, right?

Right.

Just like I did what I had to do

by putting in an

offer on that house.

That also felt

really natural to me.

You put an offer in on the

house without telling me?

Exactly, I was just going

off of my instincts,

the same as you were.

That's one way of putting it.

Good, I'm so glad

we're on the same page.

I will let you get back to

whatever you were doing.

What the hell just happened.

After everything that I've

done for the hospital,

We're not questioning

your skills as a surgeon,

but the choices you've

made outside that OR

have made you a liability,

and we can't afford liabilities,

even with your father's

generous donations.

This was one mistake. One!

And I told you, I

am handling this.

The board reviewed

everything, Jonathan.

There were warning

signs long before this.

So you're saying this

was always a plan?

We'll process your severance.

You'll have 30 days to

clear out your office.

You're firing me on my

own telehealth account?

The utter of lack of respect!

Dr. Hayes.

sh*t.

Dr. Hayes.

No handouts, no

shortcuts, no cheat codes

Had to level up,

had to switch modes

All the blood sweat,

tears in the notebook

Now the world looking

up like a pro cook

I ain't asked for a lane

So I paved my own

Turn my losses to

lessons, now my name

Hey, sorry I'm calling early.

Do you got some time now?

Yeah, I can make some time,

for you.

Are you boxing?

Yeah, surprised?

Not in the slightest.

Boxing relieves stress,

keeps me from overthinking.

What are you stressed about?

Nothing, that's why I box.

Maybe I should take up

boxing, relieve my stress.

Your sessions have me

questioning everything.

Oh no.

Is Pastor Marcus spiraling?

I am not spiraling,

I'm just questioning.

Wow, third session in

and you're already

rethinking your life?

I am good.

So what are you questioning?

You.

Me?

You sang in the church choir.

You led bible study.

You believed.

I mean, my belief didn't

change, people did.

What happened?

The church forgives

who it wants.

The men get second chances,

and the woman, we

get left behind.

I was 19,

pregnant by a youth pastor.

The church covered for him

and I was the one shunned.

At first, it was a blessing,

and then I was a stain.

They were gonna

see me as a sinner,

I might as well make

a living off it.

That's why you

target church men.

Yep, they make the

best customers.

Matthew 23:13,

"You shut the doors of

the kingdom of heaven

in people's faces.

Yet you yourself do not enter."

"Nor will you let those enter

who are trying to."

I'm so sorry we shut

the door on you.

Hold on a sec.

I learned though,

I learned that church

is not about the spirit,

it's about the hustle,

the image, the green,

the sparkling reputation,

the pressure to give.

Has church ever given

you anything good?

I hope so.

I just hope you didn't

throw the baby out

with the bath water.

The baby I kept.

She's the most beautiful thing.

Everything else can,

pardon my French, go to hell.

Something wrong, Pastor?

I'm just thinking about

my sermon for tomorrow.

Mm-hmm.

I am.

James 1:14,

"Each person is tempted

when they are dragged

away by their own desires.

Oh, so you're the expert at

resisting temptation now?

You'd be surprised

at my self-control.

Maybe your sermon should read,

"Do as I say and not as I do."

Maybe it should.

Do you ever think there's

something better out there?

Sometimes.

But wanting it feels like

the first step to losing

everything you already have.

Or maybe it's the first step

to finding what

you're really missing.

Careful, Pastor,

you're starting

to sound like me.

Maybe that's not

such a bad thing.

Pastor Mathus, you got a second?

Anything for a fellow

sinner, Mr. Collins.

What's on your mind?

Well, I'm not proud of this,

but I've been chatting with

that woman, MaryMagdalene89.

You know, the Sexy Peeps lady

people are talking about.

Go on, son.

Well, I know it was wrong,

but I feel like we had

a connection, you know?

Then she just cut me off.

No goodbye, no nothing.

I kind of miss her.

You too?

She cut me off last week.

At first, I figured it

was like a, you know,

a glitch or something.

Wait, you are on that site?

Damn right I'm on that site.

That woman is hot.

But still, I thought

she and I had a bond.

What? She said she

loved me, Pastor.

She said the same thing to me.

Said I was her true saint.

Next thing I know, she's gone.

No messages, no videos,

no, you know?

Yeah, yeah.

But wait, wait, she's just

stringing us both along,

and then she disappears on us?

I'm pretty sure she's

seeing Pastor Marcus now.

What?

They only know about

her because of me.

That's son of a b*tch

stole MaryMagdalene89 from us.

Ooh.

Doesn't seem fair.

At my age, I deserve

a little excitement.

You do, you do

deserve excitement.

He's supposed to be

delivering us from temptation,

not cutting in line

on our sex buffet.

Ain't that a holy hustle?

Yeah, amen to that sh*t.

Oh man.

Still waters, Mr. Collins.

Still waters.

More like murky waters.

Murky waters because him

murking it up.

Late-night session?

Should I be flattered?

Don't start.

Oh no.

Pastor is stressed.

Weight of righteousness

getting heavy?

You ever just wake up one day

and realize your

whole life is a lie?

What happened?

Church finance meeting.

Let me guess,

Deacon Hayes and his, "No

profit, no purpose," sermon?

I didn't even have

to say anything.

"We don't help unless

it benefits us."

Mm.

And now it's bothering you?

I always justified it.

If the church isn't

profitable, how do we serve?

At least that's

what I told myself.

It's actually the opposite.

Without purpose,

there is no profit.

Look at my business.

I would never be making

six figures a year

if my sole purpose

was to make money.

My purpose was to give

Riley a better life,

and then the profit rolled in.

But I'm not sure God

wanted you to go down that path.

I don't know about God,

but his church folks

sure helped me out.

Fair enough.

But what are you gonna do

when Riley doesn't

need you anymore?

What's your purpose then?

Oh, I have a backup purpose

to keep liberating fallen souls

by selling fantasies to men

who preach one thing

and pay for another.

What is your purpose, Marcus?

What does it profit a man

to gain the whole world

yet lose his soul?

Is that a real question

or are you just

preaching to the mirror?

I think we both know

I'm talking about me.

So a few hours left

and you are Dr. Davis.

No, I just have to

finish my dissertation,

but yes, when can we chat next?

I think we're done

with the video chats.

Don't say that.

We just need one last session

to fulfill my requirements.

Don't back out on me now.

Quite the opposite.

I was thinking we

should meet in person.

In person?

There's a new hotel

restaurant, Bocce.

We should celebrate.

I don't need to

celebrate anything.

Better one handful

of tranquility

than two handfuls that toil

and chase after the wind.

What does that mean?

It means work-life

balance, Harmony.

You need a break.

I don't meet clients in person.

I'm not asking as a client,

I'm asking as a friend.

Friends, huh?

No judgment,

just truth.

Okay, I see you.

Let's do it.

Well, okay.

Scotch neat.

Thank you.

Be right back as soon

as your guest arrives.

-Well, hello.

-Hey.

Thank you.

You made it.

Yeah, well, it is

our last session.

Amen.

Thank you.

Glass of red for you, miss.

Thank you.

And Scotch neat.

Thank you.

Excuse me, reach.

Pardon me, cheers.

Cheers.

You know, I haven't been

on a date in a while.

This was nice.

-This was a date?

-You know it is.

It's hard to believe

this is our last session.

It doesn't have to be.

Is it wrong that I

don't want it to be?

You have this whole man

of God thing going on,

but there's a little

rebel inside you

fighting to get out.

-Maybe.

-You're here, aren't you?

I can't stop thinking about you.

Then stop thinking.

Well, this is a

hotel restaurant,

which means there

are rooms upstairs.

You really are a rebel.

So what do you think?

I think

we should get a room before

you change your mind.

Where's that waiter?

What?

I, I, I don't wanna hurt you.

Then don't.

Just let this be real.

Just for tonight.

Da, da, da, da, da

Ah

Finding the way, honey

In the silence we stay

We stay, we stay

-Hello?

-They fired him

at the hospital.

He's spiraling.

I mean, he needs to

come back to the church.

Anything can help, please.

I'll do what I can.

Please just pick him

up, he'll go with you.

Bring him back to

my dad's place.

We'll get through this together.

I love you, Marcus.

I love you too.

Problem?

I'm so sorry, I have to go.

Sure.

It's not you or, uh, this.

Don't worry about it, Pastor.

I'll call you.

Jonathan, Jonathan?

Can I come in?

Just no sermons.

Rebecca is worried

sick about you.

You know, when I was a

functional alcoholic,

I gave almost 10 Gs a

month to that church.

I understand that,

but I think your situation

is beyond the sin of greed

that tugs on your family.

Well, you're about to

be my family now, right?

What's that say about you?

Jonathan?

What the hell is going on?

What are you doing

here in real life?

Wait, how, how do

you know Jonathan?

He's a client.

Wait, wait, you two

know each other?

I love the hypocrisy of this.

I thought you don't

meet clients in person?

-I don't.

-And you were supposed

to stay away from my flock.

Oh, please, Jonathan hasn't

been to church in years.

True that.

Wait, how did you

get my address?

I thought my private

info was private.

When someone sends

me a cryptic message

that sounds like a suicide note,

I bend the rules.

And that's how you

help people, huh?

By bending and

breaking the rules?

Next time I'll send thoughts

and prayers instead.

Do you think this is funny?

Not funny.

Just weird.

How do you know Harmony?

It's just a strange

coincidence, okay?

That coincidence

that is apparently

cheating on my sister?

Ain't that a b*tch?

I told myself you

cared about me.

Guess that's all bullshit, huh?

Ain't that a peach?

You're a hot mess, Jonathan.

She's right, you need help.

What if I can't fix this?

Then let us help

you figure it out.

Have faith, my brother,

we can get through this.

Why'd you come?

What do you care?

Because I know what it's like

to have your life spiraling

and nobody showing up for you.

Rebecca wants me to take

you to your dad's house.

Here's the deal.

Pack a bag, we

drive you to rehab,

and you do the hard work

to get your life back.

I, I've already checked

for space at the Horizon Grove.

They offer a 12-week program.

-That's a good plan.

-I don't know.

Everybody loves a comeback.

Can't argue with that.

Let me take you,

so you're not alone.

You're in good hands, Jonathan.

Thanks for showing up,

both of you.

Help me help you

Ah

This facility looks great.

Yeah, thanks for taking me in.

No problem, I'm, I'm so

proud of you for coming, man.

This is gonna be great.

Three months will

go by like that.

I hope so.

Marcus, we just tracked

Jonathan's phone

and saw that you took

him to a rehab center

instead of dad's house?

My son does not need to be here.

With all due respect,

Deacon Hayes,

this is exactly where

Jonathan needs to be.

The consulting

doctor at True Faith

does not need to be here.

Not on my watch.

Jonathan may have

his issues, yes,

but he does not need labels,

he needs Jesus.

Maybe my dad's right.

I believe you need all

the help you can get,

including the church.

But you also need to be here.

He needs to lean on the Lord,

not on some fly-by-night

treatment facility.

Three months is

a long time here.

Look, we are already here.

I filled out all the forms.

You need to check in.

Hey,

watch yourself, son.

You are not a member

of this family yet.

You stay in your lane.

Jonathan, get your things

and come on, come on.

-Rebecca.

-Stop.

Come on, okay?

Let's go, let's

get you outta here.

He needs real help.

Save me

Ooh

Oh

So before we discuss

the upcoming rebirth

of True Faith Rehab,

I've been going

over the financials.

And over the last quarter,

we're still short

by over $220,000.

Now, this is something...

This meeting can wait.

You need to see this now.

This is a closed meeting.

If you have concerns...

Oh, I have concerns,

concerns about him.

Ms. Collins, if

this is about the...

Oh, save it.

This is the man you

trust to lead us?

Oh, save me

This is that harlot.

That's Sexy Peeps woman

with Pastor Thompson.

Hold on now, this is highly...

Oh, wait, wait, wait,

I, I can't explain.

That's not what it looks like.

Uh-uh, uh-uh, the

video don't lie.

Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

-Good Lord.

-Wait, wait, wait.

-Mm-hmm.

-Listen, no...

-Looks like

she didn't just tear

through the flock,

she went straight

for the shepherd.

Ooh

Save me

Mrs. Collins.

Ooh

-Rebecca.

-Nope, mm-mm.

Looks like you got

some explaining to do.

That savage.

Bad news travels fast.

Oh, save me

You lied to me.

It wasn't a lie.

Clients, working late?

That's lying, Mom.

You preached no

judgment, just truth,

but you can't tell me the truth?

Riley, I did this

for us, for you.

I really am working

on my degree.

Then why do Sexy Peeps at all?

Because we needed the money.

That meant using what I had,

maximizing the time

and skills I had

to, to give you the best life.

Don't hide behind me.

Don't blame me because you

chose to do Sexy Peeps.

That's lower than low.

Riley...

Okay, Mom.

If I chose to get my doctorate

the same way you did,

you'd be okay with that?

You didn't do this for me,

you did this for you.

Do you have any idea what

today was like for me?

My friends showing me

screenshots of you.

I didn't think about that.

That's the problem.

You didn't think.

Auntie Charlene was right,

you care more about your hustle

than you do about me.

No.

No, I'm giving you

the life I never had.

I don't want that.

I want a mom I can trust,

to be able to look

people in the eye,

and you've made that impossible.

I'm going to Auntie Charlene's.

She may not have much,

but at least she's

honest with me.

Wait, can we just talk

about this?

-We've been talking.

Maybe you should

listen for once.

I am so sorry.

So am I.

Ah

I'm sorry

Hmm

Of all the women in

the world, Marcus,

you choose her?

A wh*re?

I didn't choose her.

It wasn't planned.

No, no, it was just weak.

I mean, this b*tch is determined

to take down my family,

my life, my church.

I'm sorry for cheating on you,

but even more so, I am

sorry for pretending

that everything was okay

between us for months now.

Do you even realize

what this means?

I mean, for you, for

us, for, for the church?

I mean, why, why her, Marcus?

She listened.

She saw me.

Not for what I'm supposed to be,

not for what the church

expects me to be,

some stepping stone

to a perfect image.

And what am I supposed

to do with that?

Apologize for expecting

you to be better?

I don't know, I don't

have the answers.

Well, you better come

up with something quick.

Knock, knock.

It's a rough week, huh?

Dad, please don't.

This is between Marcus and me.

Oh, you know that's

not true, Rebecca.

This definitely

involves the church.

Do you wanna know why

I'm so calm, Marcus?

I'd love to know.

Because this has

happened before.

Fortunately, I've already

come up with a plan

to take care of this,

clean up this mess.

It's not un-salvageable

Daddy.

This is for your own good.

And Marcus, well,

boys will be boys, right?

And we've all slipped

up every now and then.

Are you serious?

Boys will be boys?

Not only is that

sexist, it's wrong.

Excuse me?

With all due respect,

we're not just gonna

brush this under the rug.

I made a mistake,

a big one.

-Yes, you did.

But there's no need to blow

it out of proportion, right?

Congregations have

short memories, Marcus.

All we need to do

is have them focus

in a different direction.

A different direction?

Mm-hmm.

See, you will get up this Sunday

and you will tell them

exactly what happened.

You want me to explain

exactly what I did?

It's just that simple.

You will get up there

and you will tell them

that Harmony Davis

had a revenge plot

against the church.

She targeted you, Marcus.

She targeted our flock.

She found your weak

spot and exploited it.

But that's okay,

we will persevere.

We will not let the

darkness overcome us.

I am not going to blame her.

You will.

You can and you will.

And then you will pivot

to the rehab center.

You will explain

how that initiative

will stop crazed addicts

from becoming overwrought,

like Harmony Davis was.

She's not an addict.

I actually agree with him.

See, this is exactly

what we need.

A bold community initiative

to show this town exactly

what this church stands for.

And you will get up in

that pulpit this Sunday.

And after your sermon, I will

stand up and I will explain

that you are no longer

the interim pastor,

you are the pastor.

And the whole

congregation will see

that you are forgiven

and that I stand behind you.

What about me?

Oh, baby,

trust isn't built

with apologies,

it's built with action.

People don't want regrets,

they want results.

And that can only come from

a pastor taking charge.

So this is leadership?

Grow up, boy,

there is no leadership

without money.

And this is about legacy.

It's about showing this city

what this church is capable of

when we all stand united.

The center is called True

Faith for a reason, Marcus.

So have some faith, son.

We will get through this.

Jonathan?

Aren't you in rehab?

Long story for another time.

Just checking on you.

Yeah, I'm not great.

I'm on your side.

My family,

they're great at wearing halos,

terrible at living up to them.

Marcus is just another hypocrite

wrapped up in scripture.

Nah, he's, he's different.

He's better.

I'll believe it when I see it.

Have faith, Harmony.

Believe it and you'll see it.

Uh-huh, uh-huh

I still feel you in

the quiet of the night

Is that your gumbo I smell?

If you're here to

apologize to Riley,

she won't be home for an hour.

I came here to apologize to you.

The silence built a wall

But every broken piece still

I've realize now that

I'm, I'm the hypocrite.

Judging all church

folks is shady.

You're different.

I know that, you've always been.

And I'm sorry if I made

you feel like a bad person.

And your church isn't shady.

I'm not perfect, but

I'm trying to do better.

It's not about being perfect,

it's about finding

your way back,

even if it's messy.

That's where faith starts.

Now, make yourself useful.

Set the table,

earn your keep.

You're gonna eat.

I'll do that for you.

You done with school yet?

Oh, so, so close.

I'm done with clinical

counseling hours,

done final exams.

Um, I'm done with all the

research for my dissertation.

All I have to do

now is turn it in,

defend it, and that's it,

I'm a doctor.

And have you shut

down your Sexy Peeps?

I will.

I just, I just have

to clear about 50K

until my practice

is up and running.

That's a no.

I'll pray for you.

I don't need prayer,

but thank you.

Now, eat up.

You're too thin, b*tch.

-Ah.

-No judgment.

Just truth.

-Okay.

Thank you.

-Mm-hmm.

Shade, but thank you.

Aw, this looks so good.

Gotcha.

Let's see how reckless

gets rewarded.

Marcus?

No, b*tch.

This is his fianc.

Rebecca?

You effed around with my man

and now you're

about to find out.

Did she just call me a b*tch?

"We regret to inform you

that your account has

been demonetized."

No, no, no, no,

no, no, no, no, no.

This can't be happening.

Brothers and sisters,

thank you for joining me today.

Now, I know we've been going

through a difficult time,

and I appreciate you being here.

Okay.

Harmony.

You did this.

What are you talking about?

Don't you dare

play dumb, Marcus.

First you go after

my reputation, fine,

but the reputation of my child?

I don't know what

you're talking about.

My account was shut down

because someone falsely reported

that I use Riley in

child p*rn*graphy.

And you think I had

something to do with this?

Rebecca called me, Marcus.

She called me from your account

and said I was finished.

Rebecca, the board,

the congregation,

they're all after me.

And you're just pretending

you're innocent?

I didn't plan this.

But you could've stopped them,

and you didn't,

'cause you're just like them.

-That's not fair.

-Hiding behind God

while you let me burn.

That's not fair.

I'm done.

Go finish your damn sermon.

Harmony.

I trust you'll do

the right thing.

Of course.

Mm-hmm.

- Brothers and sisters- - Shh.

Thank you for being here today.

I know it's been a challenging

time for all of us.

Sometimes in life we're faced

with a weighty decision.

And although it's weighty,

it's not hard.

No, you see, I was asked

to do the right thing,

and I have faith that God

will help me do the right thing.

You see, I was asked

to trash, to besmirch,

to denigrate the reputation

of Harmony Davis,

better known to some of y'all

as MaryMagdalene89.

Well, I will not.

For I will do the right thing,

I will accept that the

fault is entirely mine.

I will accept, no,

I must accept

that my trouble

started long ago,

when I went down a

path I knew was wrong.

And it didn't just affect me,

but it affected those around me.

I was asked to champion the

True Faith Rehab project.

And while I believe the

project is worthwhile,

I encourage you all to

stay deeply involved

and ensure every line item

corresponds with our

church's true values.

This is likely my last sermon.

And I just hope,

I just hope you won't let my

mistakes destroy your faith.

Keep believing,

and I promise

I will work to heal and regain

the trust of this community.

Thank you.

Though the winds of doubt

Make shake me

And my faith be

worn and thin

In your grace I

find my refuge

Hallelujah!

Why'd you do it?

Why'd you lie?

You destroyed a woman's life.

You went after her child.

Oh, so we're worried

about her right now?

That she-wolf?

You know, I cannot believe you.

You gave up everything

for that woman?

No, I gave up

everything for who I am.

And you,

you never really saw me.

That's why this sham of

a relationship is over.

Fine.

And I am keeping

my mother's ring.

I knew the minute

you refused it,

this was never meant to be.

Well, don't expect

to get this one back.

Daddy paid for

most of it anyways.

Ooh

Riley.

What are you doing here?

It's over,

my website.

I wasn't living by my own motto,

"No judgment, just truth."

And I'm sorry.

I should've told you

everything from the beginning,

even if it was messy,

even if I was scared

of how you'd see me.

I just hate being judged.

And in doing that,

I was dishonest with the person

who's trust means

everything to me.

I finished my dissertation.

Graduate in a month,

finally.

You're really done?

I'm all done.

And I'm starting

my own practice.

Mm-hmm, it's small,

but it's real.

We're gonna have to tighten

our belts for a bit.

Why are you telling me all this?

Because I want you to come back.

I miss you.

And if you feel better

with Aunt Charlene,

that's okay too.

She's a good woman.

I don't give her or her

beliefs enough credit.

Well, if I do move back,

I'm gonna need a job.

A job?

Yeah, like an internship

at your new practice.

You'd wanna work with me?

Well, I mean, someone's

gotta keep you

from becoming one

of those therapists

with dozens of inspirational

quotes on your walls.

Optics, right?

Okay, that's a deal.

Just don't mess this up, okay?

Not a chance.

Hey, brother, you

good? You okay?

Yeah, man, yeah, yeah, good.

Have a good night.

Got no ceiling, I don't wait

Hey They play checkers

I play chess Hey

Make my move, then

leave no trace

I don't need no team

telling me what's next

Bet on me, no safety net

In the the mirror see a

boss, what I'm sorry for

Breaking news on a shocking

suspected drunk driving crash

earlier today on I-94.

Authorities report

that the driver,

38-year-old Jonathan Hayes,

a local surgeon

and the consulting doctor

for True Faith Rehab,

was involved.

Thankfully, no other

vehicles were involved,

preventing an even

greater tragedy.

Stay tuned as this

story develops.

Sorry, can you give

us a moment, please?

Thank you.

Thankfully the

judge was a friend.

I also spoke with a lawyer.

We should be able to spin

this as a mechanical issue.

The judge is on our side.

We're gonna make

it through this.

Jonathan, please say something.

He just needs to cooperate,

keep his mouth shut,

and we'll fix this.

Fix this?

Jonathan nearly died.

He has a drinking problem.

He doesn't need one

of your cover stories.

You gave up the

moral high ground

when you decided to

sleep with that woman.

If you cared about us,

you never would've

betrayed the church.

This isn't about the church,

this is about getting

Jonathan the help he deserves.

Hiding behind all of your lies

is the reason we

are here right now.

How did you get in here?

No, no, no, get out.

Marcus doesn't need

his wh*re right now.

I'm here for Jonathan.

Okay, so first,

Marcus, now Jonathan?

How many more lives

do you need to wreck

before you completely disappear?

Jonathan's downward spiral

didn't start with me.

Stop blaming me for

your family's bullshit.

We had everything under control

before you showed up.

Control?

Like parading him

around as a poster boy

for your stupid

True Faith Rehab?

No, you need to control

your side piece,

or else I will make sure

that you never set foot

in a church ever again.

Jonathan needs real

professional help.

Not another one of

your cover stories.

Everyone just shut up.

Giving me a bigger headache

than driving through

a wall, damn.

I'll face the consequences, Dad,

but I'm done with your hustles.

Going to real rehab.

Harmony, wait,

I need to apologize

for everything.

Harmony.

-No apologies needed.

So, what happens to us?

They say people come into

your life for a reason,

a season, or a lifetime.

I think we leave this

relationship at reason.

At least upgrade me to a season.

It gives me time

to prove you wrong.

We met, we found our wings,

and now it's time to fly,

separately.

Goodbye, Marcus.

Pastor Thompson.

People brought

coats, warm socks.

They even left money

in the collection jar

so we can buy things

that are still needed.

Wow, the community's

really coming together,

help those in need.

You would never

guess what showed up

in the collection box today.

Come on.

Thank you.

Got something to show you.

I've never seen

anything like it.

"Vintage pieces

are built to last,

just like the faith

and resilience

of this church community."

I've heard this before.

Wow, this is amazing.

Mom, you have a new client

on the phone for you.

Uh, thanks, sweetie.

Just take a message for me.

Mom, I really think you

wanna take this one.

Trust me.

Hello?

Dr. Davis.

Marcus?

Actually,

it's Pastor Marcus, technically,

but you've passed

me in credentials.

You are officially Dr. Davis.

Congrats, you earned that.

Prayers and grit,

that's what got me here.

Though I never thought I

would say that out loud,

but thank you.

Actually, I owe you a thank you

for your unexpected offering.

That sapphire bracelet,

that was generous.

I'm glad that bracelet

found a better purpose.

So are you calling a pastor or?

Uh, let's just say I'm

calling as a new patient

and I'm looking for

some counseling.

Okay, well, I am my own boss,

so I can make some time.

When do you wanna come in?

How about now?

Now?

Marcus.

Aw, damn.

I prayed for this,

for us.

Can you believe it,

me praying?

I can.

You know, we've both changed,

a lot.

Riley, I know you're listening,

hang up the phone.

Oh my bad.

Sorry, Mom.

Can we go outside?

I, I wanna show you something.

Yeah.

A wise and beautiful

woman once told me,

"Antique jewelry carries

such unique history,

stories of love,

family, tradition.

Even if you don't want it,

hold on to it,

"and keep it in your

beautiful new family."

I scraped together

everything I could

to match your $10,000 donation.

I wanted you to have it.

It will always remind

me of when we first met.

Mm.

Oh, I was lost

Sinking deep in sin

The storms were strong

I couldn't see the end

but your hand reached out

and pulled me in

now I stand redeemed

by your love again.

Grace all around me

mercy so sweet

your love is the anchor

that steadies my feet.

Oh, grace all around me

I'm safe in your care

Your light shines

on me everywhere

I've walked through valleys

shadowed by doubt.

The pain was heavy

and I cried out loud

but you whispered softly

I am here

And turned my sorrow

to joy so clear.

Grace all around me

mercy so sweet

your love is the anchor

that steadies my feet.

Oh, grace all around me

I'm safe in your care

Your light shines

on me everywhere

When I couldn't go on

you carried me through.

Your grace is my song.

My hope is in you.

You filled me with...

-Ohhh...

We goin'

Yeah

Single mama with

dreams too big to fill

got that online hustle

keeping secrets under veil

Marymagdalene89

that's my alter ego

Church-boys throwing cash

while I'm counting zeros

PHD in progress

daughter needs her shoes

Livin' in this gilded

cage paying all these dues

First Baptist threw me

out when I needed grace

Now I'm taking

their collection plate

karma in their face

Holy Hustle Holy Hustle

playing saints and

sinners in this moral tussle

Holy Hustle Holy Hustle

behind the screens where

we're all just tryin' to muscle

through the pain

through shame

till we find...