Faith in the Family (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(bright music)

(church bells ringing)

There's been a huge

emphasis on trust today.

How much trust do

you have in yourself?

I have two great quotes here.

The first one leans

more towards trust

and trusting in

yourself and in others.

The first one is

Proverbs 3:5 to 6.

Trust in the Lord

with all your heart,

and do not lean towards

your own understanding.

In all your acknowledgements,

trust in Him.

The next quote, which I

wanted to pass on to you,

which I feel like you should

definitely acknowledge,

is one from our beloved Richard

and his dog, Richard II.

He was a magnificent person.

He was a pillar

of our community.

He was a member of

our congregation.

Also, he was a wonderful

soul and being, we lost him.

This quote reminded me of him.

(Jamal coughing)

It's from Mark 10, verse 52.

Go, said Jesus, your

faith has healed you.

Immediately he

received his sight

and followed Jesus

along the road.

So I'm gonna say, I'm gonna

put an end to today's service.

(melancholy music)

So what's troubling you?

I'm sorry that neither of us

have officially

told you in person,

but I'm assuming that

you've heard about

Jamal's condition by now.

Yes, I am truly sorry

to hear the news.

I wasn't too sure if

you were comfortable

sharing the information

with me, so I,

but look, I want you to know

that we're here for you.

The church is here for

you, for the both of you.

These days have been officially

numbered for a while now.

And I never knew that I'd

get to this situation.

I just, I don't, I'm finding

it hard to understand

why this is happening to us.

You know, I strive to

follow God's commandments.

I really try to put

people before myself.

I work so hard in this church.

Destiny, look, I and everyone

knows how selfless you are,

and I'm really sorry to hear

this is happening to

both you and Jamal.

It's really unfair,

really unfair,

but, like, I need you to know

that whatever the circumstance,

we're gonna be here for you.

We're gonna be here

for the both of you.

Look, God loves you.

How can you say that?

How can you say that, Darius?

If God loved us both,

he would not let Jamal

suffer like this.

I mean, is He

punishing us, is He?

No, no, he's not.

That's not the

case I promise you.

Look, I know it's hard

and you're in pain,

and there's gonna be

elements and times of sorrow.

They tend to go hand in

hand in times like this.

Look, God has a plan for

each and every one of us,

but sometimes that plan is

hard to understand, you know?

He's not punishing you,

like, I promise you that.

I feel.

It just feels so hard,

so hard to keep a brave face,

to say hello, good

morning to everyone

like nothing is happening in

my life that's just so hard.

I wasn't gonna say

anything, but, you know, I,

you know, I lost my

daughter a few years back,

bone cancer.

I didn't know how I'd be

able to get through it.

I'm so sorry.

We lost her,

but I feel that we,

really we didn't really

lose her, did we?

I mean, she's

still here with us.

She's still looking

down on us, isn't she?

Is she?

[Darius] She is.

I don't know.

I want my husband to be here

with me in the physical,

not in heaven,

or in some other place

where I can't touch him.

We've had such a

wonderful life together.

And this is just, it's

just finishing too soon.

I just, I really can't

understand what's happening.

I really feel like I

need some answers now.

[Darius] You'll never

have all the answers.

Why not?

Why?

[Darius] You'll never

have all the answers.

I know it's hard,

but even in our most

difficult and darkest moments,

you can still find

strength and hope,

even from the most

challenging circumstances.

Where, where can I

find strength and hope?

Like I said, we're here for

you and you're not alone.

You have the church.

The church has got your

back, and you have Jesus.

And look, the Bible is just

a page turn away, you know?

And alongside that, regardless

of what might happen,

or might come your way,

that at least we know

that Jamal he's gonna,

Jamal will be at peace soon.

I don't wanna hear that.

[Darius] And no

matter what happens,

whatever comes your way,

Jamal will always be with you.

I'm sorry, Darius.

Maybe I'm just losing

my faith a little bit.

These are just words.

They're not actually helping me.

I thought if I came

here, you could help me.

You could save him,

you could, you could.

[Darius] It's hard

to see right now.

I understand, I do.

I understand, I think.

[Darius] Try and keep the faith.

It's not gonna be easy.

It's gonna be, it's

not gonna be easy.

Look,

how about you go back and

make sure Jamal's okay?

We can have more of a chat

when I see you later on.

Okay.

[Darius] Yeah?

And remember, God

will never leave you.

(melancholy music)

[Destiny] Hi.

Hi.

You okay?

Did you enjoy the service?

Yeah, it was lovely.

How are you feeling?

I'm okay, darling.

While you were in

church with Darius,

I was just reading up

more on what to expect

with lung cancer.

Just trying to

process everything.

By the way, how was

the heart to heart?

You know, the usual.

Is there anything

more I could do?

No.

You're perfect just

the way you are.

We're gonna fight this,

and we're with you

every step of the way.

I need to speak with

you about something

really important to me.

What do you mean?

You know how I'm always

speaking about the plan,

the plan that God has for me.

Well, now that that plan

is coming to a close,

I've been thinking about what

it means for you afterwards.

Don't talk like that, Jamal.

You know I have faith

and it's gonna carry me

through this situation, okay?

Why do I get the sense that,

(Jamal coughing)

that.

Look, I'm not losing hope.

And you're not alone in this.

Look, we can continue

to pray together,

and just ask God for guidance.

I've been speaking to

people and, you know,

leading up on earth

what happens in the

worst case scenario?

(Jamal coughing)

- Are you okay?

- Yeah, thank you.

(Jamal coughing)

Jamal, sweetie, let me put

some pillows under you.

Make you more comfortable.

Thank you.

[Destiny] See how that is.

Is that better?

[Jamal] Much better.

[Destiny] Good.

[Jamal] Thank you.

(Jamal coughing)

Okay, I'm gonna

go get your meds.

I'll bring you some water too.

Destiny.

Would you hand me

my Bible please?

[Destiny] Of course.

Thank you.

And if you've got any rum,

would you bring that too?

Even though I walk through

the darkest of valleys,

I will fear no evil

for you are with me.

Your rod and your

staff, they comfort me.

Psalm 23, verse four.

[Jamal] Beautiful.

Come on, it's time

to take your meds.

You weren't able to

find that rum, were you?

[Destiny] Are you

feeling all right?

[Jamal] About as well

as could be expected.

Although I wish I were in

the Jamaican sun right now.

Me too.

All right, honey, you

got some rest now, okay?

Oh, do you know who I saw

the other day, I saw Sally.

Do you remember Sally?

We used to go to

school together.

She was that girl

that we used to have so

many arguments at school.

Do you remember her?

I'm sure you do.

Beautiful.

I was wearing those square shoes

and she was just, like,

insulting my shoes all the time.

I'm sure I told you

the story before,

but I'm gonna tell you again

'cause she just reminded me.

So anyway, she used to wear

these really skinny

stiletto shoes.

And I like my big square heels.

And we were going out one night

and she got her stiletto

heel stuck in the escalator,

and it closed the

escalator down.

I mean, I was kind of happy

because I was off the escalator,

but she was stuck in it.

Are you hungry?

Jamal?

Jamal?

Jamal?

So, anyway,

her shoe got absolutely stuck,

but the escalator didn't stop.

Her heel just got ripped.

And I was, I was already

out of the escalator.

My shoes were fine and

I was laughing at her.

(soft music)

(indistinct chattering)

Hey sis.

[Destiny] Good morning,

how's it going down there?

It's about as busy as the shop.

- [Angel] Hi.

- [Destiny] How are you?

[Angel] I'm okay, how are you?

[Destiny] Not too good.

[Gabriel] Hey mom.

Good morning

[Gabriel] Uncle, I've got

something to show you.

[Malik] What you

got there big man?

[Carly Rae] Good morning.

[Destiny] How are you?

I'm good, thanks, I'm Carly Rae.

[Destiny] Could I

get you something?

[Angel] I'm Angel, can

we get you something?

Do you mind if I

leave these here?

Oh, what are they?

They're flyers for

the church I follow.

No, sorry, no religious

literature here.

Do you mind if I ask why not?

[Destiny] It's none

of your business.

Destiny.

All our church is doing,

it's offering flyers for people

going through hard times.

We just wanna help.

And these flyers may

give people contacts

for a place that can help them.

Nothing provocative.

I appreciate your reasons,

but I don't want to

associate with any church.

I don't want my customers

to feel pressurized

or uncomfortable, so no.

I understand.

We just wanna help

people in need.

I'm sorry, um?

Carly Rae.

I'm sorry, Carly Rae, but

my answer is still a no.

This is a secular coffee shop

and I wanna keep it that way.

I understand, thank

you for your time.

[Destiny] Thank you.

[Carly Rae] Thanks.

Wasn't very friendly, was it?

Uh-hum.

That's great sales strategy

you've hit on there.

Let's be rude to

everyone who comes in.

You're bound to sell tons

of coffee that way, hmm?

I just wanna let everyone

know where we stand, Angel.

I don't wanna be

dishonest to anyone.

Okay.

It's time, I've got

to go pick her up.

Always a royal welcome.

Oh.

Sis, if you can spare a minute,

can we get some coffee

over here please?

I should start charging

you guys for your coffees.

Hey, I don't even drink coffee.

So, how was that party

you went to last night?

It was okay, I thought it

was gonna be fancy dress,

but it turned out to be a

smart casual kind of thing.

What monstrosity did you

show up in this time?

You looked like the Black

Abraham Lincoln last time.

You're just jealous.

I don't think I went too

overboard this time around.

I borrowed Terry's football

Premier League outfit.

[Destiny] Oh, that's

not embarrassing at all.

It's not?

Although, I wonder where

the shorts went off to

'cause I think one of

the guests stole it,

and I have no idea who.

I know Terry's gonna

flip when he finds out.

How on earth did they

get your shorts off you?

I don't know, I

let my guard down.

I forgot Eric and

Graham would be there.

Graham has had it out for me

ever since I sat on his gerbil.

[Destiny] What is

it I'm hearing?

[Angel] Look who I

found, ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh.

It's good to see you.

[Destiny] Nala.

Thank you.

Awe, it's so good to see you.

Oh, God, just hug your sister.

Um.

[Angel] Um.

Come on, come and sit down.

Come sit down, sit

down, sit down.

I guess your lectures

are secondary

in the background right now.

I know they were

when I was a student.

Hey, I've actually been

going to all of my lectures.

[Destiny] Um.

Well, as many as I can.

We are paying for

them after all.

That's our girl getting

our money's worth.

[Destiny] Isn't she?

I'm currently getting

my head around

the McLibel 1997 case.

The judgment alone

was a thousand pages.

Ooh, university

sounds so exciting.

That's funny.

You'd probably be, like,

very disappointed when

you get there, Gabe.

You'd find it's not

all just partying

and dancing and drinking.

Besides, based on your

most recent party,

you should probably

spend more time

with your head in your books.

What, how, how does she know?

I legit just told you.

[Nala] What happened

at Gabe's last party?

Nothing, nothing,

nothing, nothing.

You must be hungry.

Have you been eating?

Let me get you home.

I've got a nice jerk roast

ready for dinner tonight.

And we might even go

and watch a movie later.

Well, first of all, I

have been eating, why?

Does it look like I've been on

a hunger strike or something?

It's a shame the cooks at

uni aren't as good as you.

[Destiny] Of course.

Uh-hmm, resorting to

flattery to connect

just less in the kitchen.

My uncle knows me.

Well, we're all susceptible

to a little bit of flattery,

hmm?

So how's the shop doing mom?

As you can see, we are thriving.

Well, I'll have a

mocha if one's going.

What size?

The biggest one you have.

Coming up.

[Jamal] Now that I'm gone,

I suspect that you

will be the rock

that your mother leans on

when times are difficult.

It will be a tough assignment,

but even if you could,

you shouldn't do it alone.

So how's she been doing?

Not great, to be

perfectly honest.

In my opinion, she's

actually getting worse.

We'll talk properly later.

Okay, all right.

Little man, come on,

I'll drive you home.

What happened to big man?

That was before you

lost your shorts.

You know I'm younger and

stronger than you, right?

Younger, yes.

Stronger, hell no.

[Destiny] Don't blast him.

Mea culpa.

Come on Abraham Lincoln.

I'll see you.

[Gabriel] Love you.

[Destiny] Love

you, see you later.

So how's mom really been doing?

I mean, I see she's

putting on a brave face,

but I can sense the

pain underneath.

All I can say is, Nala,

your mom's going through a

rollercoaster of emotions.

Some days she's managing okay.

Finding the strength to go on

for you, Gabriel, and herself,

but then there are other days

when the grief

just overwhelms her

and she finds it

difficult to function.

She just feels so alone

a lot of the time.

I've just got so many

commitments going on right now

and I don't fully understand

what she's going through.

Nala, when was the

last time you were here

for longer than a

day, if that even?

[Nala] But.

Nala, Nala, let me finish.

I miss you,

your mom, Gabe misses.

Don't, don't.

I'm sorry, you must be tired.

Do you think mom will

find happiness again?

Dad was her soulmate.

Your mom's journey to healing

will take some time, Nala,

but I believe that someday

she will find happiness soon.

It's not easy to lose

someone that you love deeply.

She will find love again.

It won't be the same,

but she will learn to

cherish the memories

and create a new future for

you, herself, and for Gabriel.

I hope so.

I just want her to be okay.

Then you should come

home more often.

There is Easter,

there is Christmas.

There is the summer holidays.

You left me here by myself,

Nala, to hold down the fort.

The boys are trying,

but it's not the same.

I miss you, you're

the missing link.

(soft music)

What about you?

What about me?

[Angel] Are you allowing

yourself to grieve?

Has mom been going

to church at all?

We'll get there,

but I know I said I

was going to update you

if anything happened.

Unfortunately, she's

just been the same

as the last time you saw her.

What?

So Darius hasn't kept in

contact when he said he would.

There is only so

much Darius can do

if your mom doesn't

want to be helped.

I guess so.

Oh, also, there's a bit of news

that we need to update you on.

Darius is leaving the parish.

What?

I know.

He got a call from

Southern diocese

to be in London for now.

We had to apply for a new vicar.

Well, we've been attendees

of his church for years now.

He didn't even bother

to say goodbye.

[Angel] He was sorry to go,

but he's been chasing that

promotion for years now.

Hmm, so who's our new

vicar out of interest?

Geraldine Granger.

Ha-ha, very funny.

No, we haven't

actually met him yet.

[Nala] Or her.

No, it's definitely a him.

His name is Michael Johnson.

Michael Johnson.

Does he have a family?

I don't know yet, why?

I'm just curious, that's all.

Hmm.

Well, I'm sure he'd

be perfectly nice

when we get to know him.

He may not be Darius,

but as Darius always says,

God works in mysterious ways.

I'm sure he's exactly

what God wants for us.

Well, if he's a vicar who

could help me memorize

hundreds of pages

of law gibberish,

then he'll be just what

we needed for sure.

Miracles do happen.

Anyway, let's get out of here.

Mom's probably dying to

stuff me full of jerk roast

until I burst.

Not the worst way to go.

Come on, let's go.

(knocking on door)

[Nala] Whatever you're selling

we have an ample supply already.

Very funny.

Are you nearly ready?

Nearly, I just need to

convince mom to come too.

I'm sorry, Nala, I don't

think that's gonna happen.

Please, just let me have

one more go to convince her.

I won't be long.

What do you think

the chances are

of her persuading

your mom to come?

Hmm, well, she listens to

Nala more than most people.

Uh-uh, not gonna happen.

I would put

10 pound on it now.

Well.

That's just not going

to happen, honey.

[Nala] Not even to

see some old friends?

Not even to see

some old friends.

I'm sorry, Nala.

But mom, why?

Look, you know exactly why.

And that's the last word I

wanna hear about this matter.

Okay mom, bye.

Bye Nala.

Shall we just go?

Bowie said he can't

mind the shop.

I have to go, I can't.

I have to go with my uncle.

(Nala slams door)

Amazing grace how

sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost

What do you think

of the new guy?

Better looking than

Darius I think so.

But now I see

My chains are gone

I've been set free

Shh.

Because God my Savior

has ransomed me

I haven't been home for ages.

I can't believe they

didn't come with us.

I can tell you now,

Malik's not any different.

Hey Agatha.

How was Sunday school?

The kids were a bit rowdy.

Oh.

One of them decided to reenact

a particular movie scene

and I had to put

him in a corner.

Which movie, "Ratatouille,"

"Toy Story," "Cars?"

It was a '70's movie.

May the power of

Christ compel him.

"The Exorcist?"

Oh.

Sunday School was never

this fun when I was there.

Have you met the

new vicar at all?

Only very briefly.

He seemed perfectly charming

for the whole two minutes

I had to get to know him.

Well, two minutes is

more than enough time

to get to know someone.

- Hmm.

- Hmm.

He's good looking.

Uh-hmm.

I've heard he works out.

Oh.

He reads and he also

plays in a band.

Which band?

What does he play?

Bass guitar.

I've also heard he has tattoos.

Stop.

Oh, may God forgive me.

And between us, I've also heard

on the communion grapevine

that he's a widower.

Oh, is that so.

Reverend Johnson.

So are there a lot of

clubs in Canterbury?

Hmm, I don't really go clubbing.

Once you've been once

you've pretty much had

the whole experience.

Anything's better

than Caswell, right?

Sure.

Have you had a chance to

step into the cathedral yet?

Students go in free, so

I went on my second week.

[Angel] Who wanted the

black coffee again?

Yep, me.

Ah-ha.

There you go.

Here you go.

Thanks, auntie.

How was the service?

I loved it.

Well, who can blame her

when she had such good

eye candy to look at?

Nala.

I just thought he was a

good speaker, that's all.

[Malik] Is is married?

Um, Agatha said that

he had been widowed.

I really do hope

he's okay, though.

He did say that he

was a bit nervous

about moving into a new

place all by himself.

[Gabriel] Oh geez, the poor guy.

I reckon he'll be fine

once he settles in.

Plus, he's going to get

to meet all the locals.

My thoughts exactly.

Nala, I know you've been

wanting to set mom up

for the longest time.

Now I do appreciate that it's

coming from a place of love,

but don't you think you

should wait until mom's ready?

Hmm, you make a good point Gabe,

but how do you think

that's gonna happen?

She never goes out so she

never encounters anyone new.

Well.

With all due respect

to my sister,

she's never been good at

deducing what's good for her.

Do you remember

when we were kids

and we had to pester her

repeatedly and annoy her

for her to come on a

camping trip with us.

And guess what?

She loved it just as

we knew she would.

So yeah, I agree with Nala.

Meeting someone might

just do wonders her.

Thanks, auntie.

So wait, you're

serious about this.

You think that this guy

we just met this week

could potentially be an

ideal match for our mother?

Maybe not a match,

but once she sees him,

goes on a couple

dates, you never know.

It can get the

ball rolling again.

All I can say is good

luck trying to set her up

with someone who's a

member of the church.

I mean, I can't even

see her dating someone

who attends church

at this point.

Well, not with that

pessimistic attitude you can't.

She doesn't even allow

religious flyers

into the shop, Nala.

I get you haven't

seen her in a while.

You've been at uni and all,

but my sister's not the same.

I love my mom and I'll

do whatever it takes

to see her smile again.

That's a lovely thought.

Thanks, uncle.

You don't have to help

me in this endeavor

if you don't want to.

You can sit back and

watch it all fall apart

and have your whole

I told you so moment.

If you think this guy would

be great for your mom,

of course, I will support

you in any way I can.

Thanks, uncle.

What's that?

Did my brother just agree that

an idea to set his sister up

just might work?

Who are you and what have

you done with my uncle?

Look, come on, I'm

not that pessimistic.

So, you think we should

try and introduce them?

I'm sure he'd be interested

to meet her at the very least.

You mentioned we've

had a family member

who's had issues with

her faith recently.

And because they both

lost someone they love

they might find common ground.

Even if she refuses to take

her faith into account.

Now that's more of the

spirit that we like to see.

The real challenge is getting

Destiny to accept him.

You should find a time

when she's more

receptive to the idea.

Maybe when she's doing

something more relaxing

like after a big

meal or something.

Like last night

after the big meal,

she looked really happy

with Nala and relaxed.

Do you guys want any refills?

No.

No thanks, mom, we're

okay, thank you.

Okay honey, I was

just wondering.

What are you guys talking about?

Nala was just telling us

about her uni experiences

who she's meeting.

She's thinking of setting

two people up that she knows.

Oh.

Really, you know,

that's my girl.

I always knew that you were

really good at setting people up

together, didn't you?

Let's hope she's still

got that magic touch, eh.

Mom, I'm gonna help

you behind the counter.

Seems like you've been

worked off your feet a bit.

[Destiny] Thanks honey.

So, what's on your

itinerary today, mom?

Well, Barry says that he'll

look after the shop for me

'til one o'clock so I've

got the morning off.

You could go for a walk.

I guess I could,

but it's not like I

haven't seen everything

that Werrington has

to offer by now.

I just think getting some

fresh air would do you good.

There's no point in being

cooped in the house.

Besides, you never

know who you might meet

when you're out and about.

Like who?

I just mean in general.

Well, I know everyone

in Werrington.

Well, there is this new person

whose recently moved here.

- Oh yeah?

- Yeah.

What's his name?

I know he's quite nervous

about having moved

to a new place,

and it will probably

do him some good

to meet some new

people here too.

Well, that's a great idea, Nala.

Um, what's his name?

Michael, Michael Johnson.

Michael Johnson.

Why does that name

sound familiar?

We sort of met him yesterday at-

Oh no, no, no.

Mom.

No, Nala, I'm sorry.

[Nala] Just to say hello.

You know I'm not

into religion, right?

And all he's gonna wanna do

is to force his opinions on me.

Honestly, mom, he's not someone

to just ram his thoughts

down your throat,

and I just know he would love

to hear what you have to say,

and also-

No, Nala.

And that's my final word

on the subject, okay?

Have you finished?

Yeah.

I know you mean the

best, but stop doing it.

I just wanna help.

(Destiny flickering lighter)

[Malik] I thought

you packed it all in.

I'm stressed out,

what can I say?

You could say you've given

it up and actually mean it.

Then you could say you

could get out some more.

Meet some new people.

What?

It's just that

Nala said something

very similar to me yesterday.

It's common sense.

Your daughter is

a very smart girl.

Come on, she just wants

to reconnect with you.

Open up to you.

That's more like it.

Nala is a really smart girl.

She's so bright.

She's just like her father.

Do you think there is any chance

that you could give

Nala's idea a shot?

Huh?

I want her back, Malik.

I want things to be

like they were before.

Okay, I'll meet him.

Thanks so much for the call.

No worries.

How'd you think it's going?

Not too sure just yet.

You know how awkward mom

can be for interruptions.

Yep, I know that much.

Shall we go find out how

it's going ourselves?

I thought you'd never ask.

I'm definitely my

auntie's niece.

I wouldn't have

it any other way.

Can you see them?

[Nala] Negative.

So where did you used to

live before coming here?

I was based in

Battersea, South London.

It's a very different place

from this lovely little village.

Yeah, completely different.

Me and my husband so loved

the look of this place

that we decided that

when I became pregnant

we would bring our

children up here.

Well, that's really sweet.

So, what does your husband do?

He was a journalist.

Amazing man.

And he was so fabulous

that he was even able to run

the local church newspaper.

Oh, I didn't realize

there's a church paper.

So what's it called?

(Destiny sighs)

He died.

Oh, I'm so, so

sorry to hear that.

It was such a tough time.

What am I talking about?

It still is.

People from the

community even talk about

what a gap he's left.

[Michael] Do you want

to talk about it?

[Nala] They're too far.

[Angel] Your mom looks serious.

Well, I know it must

have been hard for you.

How can you know?

Believe me, I do.

Eight years ago I lost

my wife in a car crash.

I'm so sorry.

It's all right.

It was tragic.

She was one of the guiding

lights of my life just gone,

blink of an eye.

Then I found myself on my own.

You know,

what really helped me through

the most darkest moments.

A real strong

sense of community.

I mean, that's why I so strongly

resonate with the church.

I mean, it really

does act like a rock.

I mean, when there's no

other foundations near.

Well, you know, I can

struggle along on my own,

but thank you very much.

Well, look, Destiny,

we all can do that,

but it doesn't mean

that we have to.

Galatians 6 says, "Bear

one another's burdens."

Look, if you ever did

wanna speak to somebody

about what it's like

to lose a loved one,

I'm always here.

Every Sunday, in fact, I

mean, you're always welcome.

How did I know this would turn

into a missionary attempt?

No, no, no, no, look, I

just wanted you to know

that the door is always open.

Yeah, well, you know,

it's very nice of you

to say so, Michael,

because there's not a

lot of people that would.

You know, people are

there in the beginning.

They make an effort,

of course, they do,

but they come around for tea.

They come around to

give their condolences.

And then at some

point your friends,

they have to get on

with their own life.

And, you know, after a while

I just found I was

completely on my own,

again, in darkness just me.

It happened to me.

There's probably more of us

than you perhaps realize.

It was nice talking to you.

[Jamal] Destiny darling.

By the time you read this, I

will no longer be with you,

but in a safe and

wonderful place.

I'm not writing to

tell you not to cry.

Every life has some tears.

I'm writing this letter because

as one of the most kindest,

thoughtful, and

selfless people I know,

you have a habit of ignoring

what's best for you.

Oh, Michael.

Hey, Destiny, your daughter

said that you worked here,

so I thought I'd

come and say hi.

Hi, I'm really

sorry, I'm closing.

Oh, okay, sorry.

Yeah, I just wanted to say

we enjoyed our conversation.

Thank you, yeah, sorry,

I just really have to go.

I've got to close.

Okay, no worries.

Okay, sorry, sorry, yeah, bye.

[Jamal] Going through

mourning is a tough time,

but for everything

there is a season

and a time for every

purpose under heaven.

I don't want you to trudge

about the house after I'm gone.

The Destiny that I married

wouldn't and shouldn't get stuck

in a perpetual state

of mourning and grief.

(knocking)

[Gabriel] Hey mom, I

think it's for you.

[Destiny] Michael, hi.

Yeah, hi, Destiny.

Is this a bad time?

I wasn't expecting you.

I guess you should come in.

We were just about

to have dinner.

Gabriel, one of my friends

invited Gabriel and I out.

Wait, what?

We should probably go meet them.

Oh, oh, right, yeah, I forgot

we had been invited out.

What?

We should get going.

I don't think so.

We were just sitting down we're

just about to have dinner.

Oh no, we ate a bit earlier.

Yeah.

We'll be fine.

What's the name of this friend?

- Mary.

- Jane.

- Mary Jane.

- Yeah.

She's a fairly new friend,

you don't know her.

Okay.

Michael, there's plenty

of food left for you.

Help yourself and please don't

tell mom I asked you over.

What do you mean, she

doesn't know I was coming?

Gotta go, have fun.

[Gabriel] See ya.

So I suppose you

wanna say grace.

Well, it is your house, so,

but I can do if you

would like me to.

Well, I must admit it's

very kind of you to offer

and I'm glad that something

as simple as praying

can bring such comfort to you.

I think praying

doesn't help me at all.

Really?

Why do you say that?

Well, just think about it.

God doesn't answer

prayers, does he?

And if He did, it wouldn't

be called a prayer.

It would be called

a correspondence.

Well, look, I don't pray

to get my needs met.

I try and fix my

problems myself.

I pray when I'm at

my lowest moments.

That way I know

that God's there.

It's more for my benefit

rather than God's benefit.

[Destiny] Hmm, that's

fair enough I suppose.

Can I ask you a question?

[Destiny] Yeah.

Why did you shut Christ

out of your life?

Well, I didn't shut Him out.

I believe that He shut

me out of His life.

Does that make sense?

Why did you give

your life to Christ?

It's not that I decided

to give my life to Christ.

It's more that I decided to

share my life with Christ.

It was when my wife

died, actually.

I'd always believed,

but just in losing her,

I found in God more

than any other thing

is what really kept me going.

And I realized the comfort

that I received from Him

I was able to give

to other people.

And I couldn't think

of a more honorable way

to live my life than that.

Oh, that sounds like

a really honorable way

to join the church.

Well, yeah, I had some real

positive responses to it

and, you know, met so

many lovely people,

people have given me strength,

given me encouragement,

and me to them as well.

So did that help you to

move on with your grief

to get over things?

All of it did.

He shall wipe away every

tear from their eye

and death shall be no more.

Neither shall there be

mourning, crying, pain anymore

for the former things

have passed away.

Revelations?

[Michael] You still

read your Bible?

No, but I still remember

bits and pieces of it.

I remember how much

comfort it used to give me.

Yeah, I remember

after losing Susanna,

I didn't know where to turn.

Probably about a month or

so after I finally heeded

to one of the most repeated

messages in the Bible.

[Destiny] What was that?

Fear not, in other

words, don't be afraid.

Eight years, it's a

long time to be alone,

but with Christ there it

just doesn't seem that long.

And He did say to me

that He's a friend

that sticks closer

than a brother.

So do you have any children?

[Michael] No, I don't.

I don't have any siblings.

And both of my

parents have passed.

I'm sorry.

[Michael] You know, I've

never really felt alone.

They're all still with

us really, aren't they?

Yeah, I guess I

just, I forgot that.

I closed my ears to it when

I was looking after Jamal

in his final weeks.

I can't imagine the stress

that you were under

during that time.

It makes sense why you

were so worn out by it.

But I don't feel

so worn out now.

Not like I was three years ago.

And I'm realizing there

was such a lot of people

who were so loving and

supportive to me throughout,

and you've helped me.

And it's just that I thought

Jesus wasn't loving

and supporting to me.

Destiny, Jesus' spirit

works through all of us,

but just through other people.

I mean, I like to call

Him the Great Includer.

I mean, you can see Him at

work throughout the whole world

with every hand

that's reached out,

every comforting shoulder

and every welcoming neighbor.

Anyway, talking about welcoming

neighbor, shall we eat?

[Michael] Everything

looks delicious.

Grace?

Heavenly Father,

we thank you for this food that

we are about to partake of.

We pray that it

would do us good.

We also pray a special

blessing to the hands

that prepared it.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

[Jamal] If you want to

honor my memory best,

please go and

start living again.

God has given you a wonderful

life on this wonderful earth.

And you should experience

His creation to the fullest.

It would be improper

not to do so.

I love you.

And don't stop believing.

We'll see each other again.

I will enter His gates with

thanksgiving in my heart

I will enter His

courts with praise

I will say this is the

day that the Lord has made

I will rejoice for

He has made me glad

He has made me glad

This was one of your

father's favorite songs.

Yeah, I remember

him liking this one.

He has made me glad

I will rejoice for

He has made me glad

I will rejoice for

He has made me glad

Amen

This is amazing, look at you.

Thank you, mom.

[Guest] Thank you.

[Gabriel] Have a good day.

Oh wow, thank you.

Where's your sister?

I don't know.

I can't find her.

Hello, thank you,

thank you so much.

[Gabriel] Hey, we've been

looking all over for you.

Sorry, I just needed some time.

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

Yeah, it never is.

What's that supposed to mean?

That means I know

you as a stranger,

that we don't live

in the same place.

You know why me.

Everyone's supposed to

move out at some point.

Oh, so we all have to

abandon family at some point.

I didn't abandon you.

Yes you did, you did.

Dad dies, you run

away, mom's a wreck.

So what about me?

I would've loved to

have gone to university.

I just needed time.

Time for me to find me.

You and mom are a team.

And me and dad we were a team.

And now he's gone.

Dad's gone.

We will see him again, right?

Yeah, we will.

I miss him.

I miss you.

I don't miss you.

[Nala] Yes you do.

I love you.

I'll tell you what,

when I go back to uni,

you and mom both come

and stay with me.

I'll show you around.

I'd like that.

As I went down in

the river to pray

[Malik] Sis.

What's going on?

You said you'd open for me.

We've got a different idea

for you this morning, come on.

It's a surprise.

[Destiny] What about the shop?

[Angel] Don't worry.

Let's go down come on down

O brothers let's go down

Down in the river to pray

As I went down in

the river to pray

Studying about

that good old way

I had an idea this

was gonna happen soon.

She saw that coming.

Show me the way

We knew this was

what you wanted.

O brothers let's go down

Let's go down, come on down

O brothers let's go down

Down in the river to pray

As I went down in

the river to pray

Studying about

that good old way

And who shall wear

the robe and crown

We thought this would be

a good idea for you, mom.

The final step for

finding your faith again.

And you were all in on this?

O mothers let's go down

Down in the river to pray

Okay, let's do this.

As I went down in

the river to pray

Destiny, do you accept

the Lord Jesus Christ

as your Lord and Savior

acknowledging His

sacrifices for your sin?

O fathers let's go down

I do, with all my heart

and all my soul.

Down in the river to pray

[Michael] By the authority

vested in me I now reaffirm

your commitment to Him.

In the name of the Father,

the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Good Lord show me the way

(all cheering)

O brothers let's go down

Let's go down come on down

O brothers let's go down

Down in the river to pray

(knocking on door)

[Destiny] Hi.

[Michael] Hey, how you doing?

[Destiny] I'm good, how are you?

[Michael] Good.

So how are you feeling

after your rededication?

I feel good.

I think it was the

right thing to do.

I keep thinking about Jamal

and when he was baptized

and he gave his life.

So you're following

in his footsteps.

[Destiny] Yeah.

So to speak.

[Destiny] It really brought

the family together.

[Michael] Well, that's kind of

what I wanted to

speak to you about.

What do you mean?

[Michael] Well, you know how

you've said you've felt like

you've had a hole in your

life since he's been gone.

Uh-hmm.

And me too, I mean, I've had

a piece missing in my life

since losing Susanna.

Meeting you, Destiny,

it's the first time in

the last eight years

that I felt this void filled.

Do you wanna come outside?

Let me just finish off.

You know, I feel

exactly the same way.

Like, I wish that things

could be like this forever.

Well, with your permission,

I'm hoping that they can.

Look, Destiny,

I loved seeing your journey

to your rededication.

It's filled me with

so much strength,

and just renewed

confidence in God's ability

to make positive changes

not just for our lives,

but for our future.

Are you serious, Michael?

I'm more than

serious, I'm genuine.

I fell for you the moment you

walked through our church yard

and I would devote every

waking moment of my life

to loving you,

to protecting you,

and just making sure that you

would never suffer again ever.

Michael, I thought

the exact same way,

but I just don't think

I can give you an answer

not right now.

Look, I love and I

have faith in you,

and I love and I

have faith in God,

but this is happening

just so fast

and I feel like I need a moment.

(soft music)

(ambient music)

Oh Jamal.

(Destiny gasps)

Dear Lord, sorry, you

took me by surprise.

I've been told that before.

Sorry.

Such a nice place for a rest.

This is our favorite spot.

No, wait.

Is everything okay?

Everything's fine, thank you.

I've just had a proposal from

someone I'm so crazy about.

[Stranger] Wow, that doesn't

sound too bad, does it?

I've had my fair share

of husband problems.

[Stranger] Really?

And what does your husband

think of this situation then?

He passed away.

[Stranger] I see.

I never thought I would,

or could open my heart again.

It was just so

painful losing him.

[Stranger] I know

exactly what you mean.

I myself lost someone

I cared for very deeply

a few years ago.

It takes time to heal.

And I have a feeling I

might see them again.

I think it made

me lose my faith,

but I feel like I'm more

on solid ground now,

but it's still so hard.

Faith is like a glass of water.

When you're younger

the glass is little,

so it's more empty,

easier to fill,

but as you get older,

the glass gets bigger.

The same amount of liquid

will no longer fill the glass.

The glass has to be refilled.

Why does that sound so familiar?

You watch too many movies.

[Destiny] That's not me,

that's my son and my brother.

Uh-hmm.

Thank you very much.

The message still stands.

I know how much you

suffered, Destiny.

Faith can be a trying

thing, can't it?

I know.

You can feel so alone at times

like there's no

one there for you.

Your family are there for you.

Do you remember that?

When things get tough,

they'll never leave you just

like you'll never leave them.

Wait, how did you know my name?

(ambient music)

(Michael knocking on door)

[Michael] Hi, I think I

may have forgot my keys.

Michael, I'm so sorry.

There's nothing

to apologize for.

Running off like that

when you were expecting a

response from me, it wasn't fair.

I would never wish myself on you

if you felt marrying me

wasn't right for you.

I could never turn down

someone who has helped me

to completely turn my life

around in the last few months.

You mean that?

Yes.

Whenever you're near me, you

take away my unhappiness.

You've helped me to

find my faith again.

I didn't realize I was so lost.

It's the grace of God.

I feel like I'm standing

on firmer ground,

and you've helped me

to understand that.

Through the power of Christ,

I can take that firmer

ground with me wherever I go.

I'm not afraid anymore.

If you let me trust God with

you every step of the way

I would consider it

the honor of my life

to make you my wife

and I would love you.

Yes, Michael, I

will be your wife.

(soft music)

(uplifting music)

I guess I won't knock

your ideas in the future.

I do love it when a

plan comes together.

[Darius] Do you,

Michael Johnson,

take this woman to be

your lawfully wedded wife?

I definitely do.

[Darius] And do you

Destiny Jackson Brown,

take this man to be your

lawfully wedded husband?

I do.

(uplifting music)

[Darius] I now pronounce

you man and wife.

You may now kiss the bride.

(audience applauding

and cheering)

(uplifting music)

(audience cheering)

(uplifting music)

(soft music)

(bright music)