Ground Beneath Our Feet, The (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[peaceful music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER):

Come, ye weary, heavy laden,

bruised and broken by the fall.

If you tarry till you're better,

you will never come at all.

[theme music]

Mary, please, come with the family.

MARY: Oh, Mother, none

of the families are my age.

How am I supposed to have any fun at all?

There are others to

consider besides yourself.

What was that all about?

I prefer we discuss it in private, Dear.

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): Though

my sister was absent that day,

we gathered with other families, just

as we always had every Lord's day for

as long as I could remember.

While I didn't know it at the time,

Mary's rebellion

foreshadowed the end of an era,

not just for my family,

but for the country as well.

The security and innocence of

my childhood was coming to an end.

[peaceful music]

If anyone says I love God but

hates his brother, he is a liar.

For he who does not love his brother,

whom he has seen, cannot

love God, whom he has not seen.

Whoever loves God

must also love his brother.

Aw, shucks, I gotta go.

Have a good day.

[doorbell]

I'm here to pick up Mary.

I'll tell her you're waiting.

Mary, your boyfriend's here.

Where'd you find that?

In Evelyn's room.

Oh, I know it wasn't...

Hi, Roy.

Let's get out of here, baby.

[peaceful music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): Why

are you downcast, oh my soul?

Why are you disquieted within me?

Oh, Lord, help me to find my hope in you.

May I take those books for you, Evelyn?

Why, thank you.

Hi, Freddie.

Good morning, Evelyn.

May we walk with you?

Of course.

Say, did you ever go on that camping

- trip you were talking about?

- We did.

It was swell.

I bet it was.

You didn't have to

chase any bears, did you?

Not this time.

Well, look who we have here.

Aren't you in a hurry?

Let go of me.

What?

You don't like me?

You're kind of cute.

I said let me go!

Let go of her, Roy.

Looks like someone's

cruising for a bruising.

Careful.

Let me accompany you to class.

Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done on

Earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts, as

we have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, the

power, and the glory forever.

Amen.

It's nice of you to join us, Evelyn.

Sorry I'm late.

As it is your first t*rd, you are excused.

But see that it doesn't happen again.

It certainly won't.

Thank you, Mrs. Layton.

Howard, please come up

and continue from where

we left off yesterday.

HOWARD: Yes, ma'am.

God who gave us life, gave us liberty.

Can a nation's liberties be secure

if we have removed a

conviction that these liberties

are the gift of God?

Indeed, I tremble for my country

when I reflect that God is just.

His justice cannot sleep forever.

[ominous music]

TEACHER: I'd like these

completed by Monday, class.

But I'm going skiing this weekend.

TEACHER: Fine, finish it when you can.

What if I don't feel like it?

TEACHER: I suppose that's your prerogative.

[bell ringing]

Hey, you OK?

Yeah.

I'm fine.

You don't seem fine.

I'm just tired.

Hey!

What's going on?

[scuffling]

Do you have work today?

Yeah, tomorrow's my day off.

Great, that means you can

audition for the play with us.

No, I'm a horrible actor.

I'd get booed off the stage.

You could be an extra.

Come on, Emma, it'd be so fun.

Please.

I don't know.

That's totally your guys' thing.

Oh, my gosh, look at this.

She's pretty good.

Looks like you have

some competition, Jaida.

Shut up.

Gosh.

I know. She's been acting really weird.

Yeah, she has. What's going on?

I have no idea.

When I came up to her...

Don't look.

What was that about?

None of your business.

Sorry.

Hey, girls.

Mind if I have a moment with Aspen?

Not a problem.

What do you want?

Don't lose this.

There's pizza in the freezer.

And if you need anything,

you can always call your dad.

Your dad?

He's still your husband, you know.

I'll be back on Tuesday.

Have a nice trip.

I'm so excited for your party.

Who are you inviting again?

The better question

would be, who didn't I invite.

[peaceful music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER):

I remember with fondness

the time I worked for Farmer John.

The monotony of the job

provided ample time for prayer,

and my faith began to grow.

It was this faith that would

carry me through the valleys

that lie ahead.

[peaceful music]

Hello, Evelyn, good job today.

It was my pleasure.

Yes, I like having you working here.

You gave me an extra dollar, sir.

Oh, better get my eyes checked.

Did you hear about Mrs. Baxter?

No.

Poor old gal fell and broke her hip today.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Yeah, yeah.

She'll be back.

She's a tough old bird.

Take those to your family, will you?

Thank you kindly, but

that won't be necessary.

Oh, it's necessary.

You go and take those to your family.

Thank you.

Have a good day.

[peaceful music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): I decided

to take the eggs to Mrs. Baxter.

I remembered the Bible verse

about looking after widows

in their distress, and I was glad to help

her in her time of need.

Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Jones.

Hello, Evelyn.

I like your lollipop.

It reminds me of a snail.

Someone toilet papered Billy's house.

- Come see.

- Really?

Are you sure?

Yeah!

MANAGER: What a thankless job.

It has been one complaint

after another all evening.

Cold pizza, soggy crust, wilted lettuce.

I mean, would you eat this?

What do I have to do to get

some good employees around here

anyway?

You could start by paying us more.

What did you say?

I said you could start by paying us more.

You're fired!

Really?

All right.

Try and find someone to replace me, then.

I just lost my chef.

You want me to make the pizza?

Can I take...

I asked for pineapple.

I got olives instead.

He hates olives.

Have the waiter take

that off the bill, will you?

Mine too.

There was a hair in my salad.

OK.

You have no idea how

badly I want to quit right now.

You and everyone else.

[dramatic music]

Things never change, do they?

I'm sorry.

Emma.

I wish things could be

different for your sake.

Yeah, well, from now on, they will be.

Open the door!

Emma!

Emma!

Open this door right now.

Open this door right now,

or I'm going to bust it down.

[dramatic music]

What kind of mother would

put her stupid boyfriend

above her own daughter?

Well, at least you have a mother.

And you don't?

She dumped me with relatives

when I was just an infant.

I didn't see her again

until I was your age.

Why didn't grandpa Roy raise you then?

He wanted me in a stable home.

A stable home?

What even is that?

[dramatic music]

I'm just one step away.

[music playing]

Just the type of loser I deserve.

ASPEN (ON PHONE): Hello?

Hey.

ASPEN (ON PHONE):

Oh, are you done with work?

Yeah, I just got off.

Do you mind if I crash

at your place tonight?

ASPEN (ON PHONE): Really?

Did you get kicked out or something?

I guess you could say that.

ASPEN (ON PHONE): Well,

the party's just getting started.

When you get here, you

can make yourself a drink.

I'd rather not.

I'm pretty exhausted.

ASPEN (ON PHONE): Whatever,

just hole up in my room, then.

OK, thanks, Aspen.

Bye.

Don't eat those.

Why not?

Asher made them.

What are you doing up here anyway?

I told you to stay in your room.

How much will you pay me?

- Come on, Ethan.

- Fine.

I'll go join the party then, I guess.

$10.

$20, final offer.

Fine.

Yes.

[upbeat music]

[ominous music]

Oh, my gosh.

Are you sure we're allowed to be in here?

Emma, this is the theater room.

I live here.

Hey, Becca.

[phone ringing]

Hello?

NICOLE (ON PHONE): Emma,

I need you to stay at grandpa.

Roy's house for a while.

But that's 45 minutes away.

How am I supposed to get to school?

NICOLE (ON PHONE):

It's just until things settle

down a little bit around here.

They want to help you, Emma.

Call me when Brian ODs.

I want my room back.

NICOLE (ON PHONE): Emma!

I take it that was your mom.

Yeah.

What was that about?

Glad you could make it.

Want some?

Ew, is that a fruit bar, Aspen?

- Really?

- I happen to like them.

OK?

Check out this picture

Allie found in her basement.

Tell me what you see.

A young couple and their baby.

Look at it more closely.

It looks like there's an

apparition behind his shoulder.

It's an old woman with gray skin.

Who just saw a ghost.

She must have looked in the mirror then.

Oh, my gosh, you guys stop.

You're, like, totally freaking me out.

Look, you guys, it's gotta be

photoshopped or something.

What are you guys talking about?

This photo was taken 50 years ago.

It can't be photoshopped.

OK, what's your explanation, then?

Easy.

I talked to my grandma, and she said

the previous owners of her house called

up spirits using a Ouija board.

It must have been captured on the photo.

They had Ouija boards back then?

Of course.

So let me guess, Miss

seeker of all things paranormal,

you're going to get

yourself a Ouija board now?

I already did.

Oh, gosh.

That's really creepy.

Sweet bid me hold my tongue.

From this rapture.

I shall surely speak

the thing I shall repent.

See your silence, cunning, and dumbness.

For my weakness draws

my very soul of counsel.

Stop my mouth.

TEACHER: Emma Bryant.

It's your turn.

Hey, you got it.

OK.

An excerpt from Little

Women by Louisa May Alcott.

I'd have a stable full of Arabian steeds,

and I'd have rooms piled with books,

and I'd write out a magic inkstand.

So my work should be as

famous as Laurie's music.

I want to do something splendid before...

I'm sorry.

I forgot.

HOWARD: That was the

first math test I've ever flunked.

That was no math test, Howard.

I share your sentiments.

What's a math teacher doing

teaching philosophy, anyway?

I've been wondering that myself.

Oh, did I tell you guys?

The other day, when I

was running down the street,

Darlene looked back to tell me something.

I don't remember what, but just a second

later, she rammed into a mailbox,

flipped over her handlebars.

And would you know it?

She walked away completely unscathed.

- No kidding?

- Wow.

And whatever became of the mailbox?

Beats me.

So who's all going to the

county fair this weekend?

I'm going with Mary Catherine.

I'll be there.

James said he had two extra

tickets if anyone wanted them.

I think he was planning to...

Does this look familiar?

Roy, what are you

doing with Evelyn's scarf?

Why don't you ask her?

Evelyn?

I don't care to talk about it.

I don't know what in the

world she sees in him.

He's neither kind nor respectful.

Nor trustworthy.

If I'm being honest, I

suppose the same question

could be asked of him.

Well, they do say birds

of a feather flock together.

I do worry about her.

Understandably so.

I suppose we should be going.

I don't want my parents to worry.

Of course not.

Evelyn?

Yes.

Are you going to the dance on Saturday?

Yes, I am.

I see.

With my parents, that is.

We're going early to help set up.

Would you like to be my date then?

I thought you'd never ask.

[peaceful music]

All right.

If you want to continue

using my taxi services,

you're going to have

to start paying for it.

The price of gas just

went through the roof.

Along with everything else.

Speaking of which, my mom

just got an eviction notice.

Wait, what?

Yeah, they jacked her run up so high

she can't afford it anymore.

She's looking for another job now.

Doesn't she already have two?

Yeah, I don't know how she'll manage,

but in my opinion, the more time she's

away from Brian, the better.

Why does she stay with him anyways?

He's such a creep.

He's quite charming when he's sober.

I wonder what he'll think of me after all

that my mom and grandma

Mary put him through.

Hey, what's that?

It's just a photo.

Oh, my gosh, you look just like your mom

did when she was your age.

And is that your grandpa?

Yeah.

Oh my gosh!

Jaida, that was a red light!

(LAUGHING) I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

Are you sure about this?

I

Can't keep sleeping on

Aspen's couch forever, so.

Well, good luck.

Wow, thanks.

[upbeat music]

I don't get it.

It's our turn next.

All right.

[upbeat music]

Aside from the butterflies in my stomach,

all I could remember of our first dance

was how awkward I felt.

It turns out Walter was

even more nervous than I was.

Let's blow this joint.

[peaceful music]

If it weren't for your

little fit of jealousy,

this never would have happened.

I feel sick to my stomach.

How do you think I feel?

Take a look at my car.

It would help if I could see straight.

I think I have a concussion.

Thank God you're OK.

Don't you dare say a word to mom and dad.

You hear me?

Roy, have you... have you been drinking?

So I had a few brewskis.

What's that to you?

Honestly, Roy, I don't even

care to waste my breath on you.

I suppose we should just be

happy you two are still alive.

Evelyn, take your sister to the truck.

Roy and I will call for a tow.

Don't look at me like that!

Like what, Mary?

I have a new name for

you, Miss Holier Than Thou.

It's very fitting, don't you think?

Honestly, Mary, you're

getting on my last nerve.

[somber music]

What is thy only comfort in life and death?

That I with body and soul, both in life

and in death, am not my own, but belonging

to my faithful Savior...

Golly gee, Mary!

What has gotten into you?

Who with his precious

blood hath fully satisfied

for all my sins, and delivered me from

all the power of the devil.

MARY: Ouch.

DOROTHY: Did you cut yourself?

MARY: It's nothing.

And so it preserves

me that without the will

of my Heavenly Father not

a hair can fall from my head.

He to all things must be subservient...

Really, Freddy?

Must you recite that at the table?

- Why not?

- Because it's annoying.

That's why.

Your brother is proud of

his accomplishments, Mary.

And we ought to support him in that.

Let me see your finger.

Say, are you going to put

some of that leftover pineapple

cake in our lunch today?

I already did.

Well, that's just swell.

May I be dismissed?

Yes, you may.

Take your banana.

Mary, do you have something you'd like

to say to your mother and I?

Thanks for breakfast.

Honey, that's not what

your father had in mind.

I'll just get right to it.

We know about the accident, Mary.

I didn't say a word.

Oh, and I'm supposed to believe that?

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): For

nothing is secret that shall not

be made manifest.

Neither anything hid that shall

not be known and come abroad,

Luke 8:17.

[doorbell]

Good afternoon, Evelyn.

I made a little extra stroganoff.

I thought your family would enjoy it.

Why, thank you.

DOROTHY: How can you

she treat Evelyn that way.

Whatever has she done

to deserve such treatment?

WILLIAM: You're right, Dear, there's

simply no excuse for that.

And what of this boyfriend of hers, anyway?

Is everything OK?

WILLIAM: You can say that again.

Just fine, thank you.

WILLIAM: I don't know how

much more of this I can take!

Tell your mother hello for me.

I certainly will.

[somber music]

Where did we go wrong, William?

Are we to blame for her aberrant behavior?

You can lead a horse to water.

You can't make it drink, Dorothy.

And that is just what I fear, that we

led her to an empty trough.

What are you talking about?

DOROTHY: We may have

modeled right behavior,

but did we not abdicate

our duty to instruct her?

WILLIAM: But is that not the

responsibility of her teachers?

All I know is something

has gone desperately wrong.

I couldn't agree more.

And as her father, I will

get to the bottom of this.

[somber music]

Some punk just smashed into

the vending machines again.

I have some chips if you want them.

I'm good.

I'll take those.

OK.

Have you started your essay yet?

Are you kidding?

It's the stupidest topic ever.

I know, right?

It's honestly such a waste of time.

And that coming from the likes of you.

Hey.

Just saying.

And what does Religion in American Life

have to do with kitchen appliances?

It's not for school.

The essay's due tomorrow.

I'll get to it later.

I'm going to get some lunch.

Who's coming?

I'll go.

Found it.

Found what?

Are ghosts real?

If by that question, one is referring

to the disembodied spirit

of a deceased person,

then the answer is no.

Still thinking about that

creepy photo, I take it.

Yeah, but there's more.

Demons can impersonate

deceased people as they

go about the Devil's work.

So she's calling up demons?

According to this.

You don't think she's possessed, do you?

How should I know?

[eerie music]

[strong gusts]

[thunder]

Grandpa!

Aunt Evelyn's journal?

Come and get it!

My diary!

[frantic music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER):

Walter and I chased Roy and Mary

all over the county

that day, but eventually,

they gave us the slip.

I never saw that diary again.

You're forgetting something.

You take it.

You don't want it?

If I kept it, Evelyn would

rummage through all my things

until she found it.

What am I supposed to do with it?

Just stick it in your closet or something!

You don't want to read it?

Of course not.

[music playing]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER):

And be ye kind to one another,

tenderhearted, forgiving

one another, even as God,

for Christ's sake, hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:32.

[peaceful music]

MAN (ON COMPUTER): Leading scientists

now believe that the Earth entered

into a wet period following

this interval that lasted

upwards of 2 million years.

This period, which

geologists refer to as the...

And God blessed them.

And God said to them,

be fruitful and multiply,

and fill the Earth, and

subdue it, and have dominion

over the fish of the sea, and

over the birds of the heavens,

and over every living creature

that moved on the Earth.

And God saw all that he had made,

and behold, it was very good.

And there was evening, and

there was morning, the sixth day.

And there was evening

and there was morning.

You know, that's said six times.

MAN (ON COMPUTER):

cousins to everything from algae

to arachnids.

More specifically, humans

are a distinct species

within the hominid family,

namely the great apes.

Through the aforementioned process,

this common ancestor gave rise...

EMMA (VOICE OVER): Evelyn

seems to have all the answers.

I wonder what she would think.

EVELYN: Are you busy this evening?

WALTER: No, I'm not.

I don't suppose you

could tutor Freddie, then?

I'd be glad to.

Which subject?

It's his catechisms.

There's just so much memorization.

And, you know, Freddy, he'd

rather be catching tadpoles.

Who's to blame him?

Tell him to expect me around 7:00.

Thank you.

Sure, it says that.

But is that really what it means?

Yes, but...

The question you ought to be asking

is, what does it mean to you.

You have a lot to learn, don't you?

I dare say I do.

EVELYN (VOICE OVER):

Beware, lest any man spoil you

through philosophy and vain deceit,

after the tradition of

men, after the rudiments

of the world, and not after Christ.

Colossians 2:8.

Evening, Catherine.

Hello, William.

I haven't seen Mary for a while.

Has she been ill?

We would welcome that.

What's going on?

Mary's cast off the faith, Catherine.

Oh, surely that can't be.

I'm so sorry.

Here's the cabbage you asked for.

Thanks.

Is everything all right, Father?

Ahem, Evelyn, what do you

know about your math teacher?

Mr. Buford?

Well, he doesn't really teach math.

What does he teach, then?

He has an interesting

set of opinions, to be sure,

ones he readily shares.

Do you know his worldview?

He's an atheist, if that's what you mean.

I'm going to grab a couple

of ears of corn for supper.

Tell your mother I'll be home in a jiffy.

[peaceful music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): For

the time will come when they

will not endure sound doctrine.

But after their own lusts

shall they heap to themselves

teachers, having itching ears.

And they shall turn away

their ears from the truth,

and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Timothy 4:3 and 4.

Father, thank you so much for

your kindness and your grace

to us.

Thank you for the sending of your son

and the shedding of his blood for us,

so that we can have a

right relationship with you.

Father, I want to lift up Lisa

and just ask that you would heal

her body and that you would

help her husband as he's

at home with her infant.

We pray all these things in

your son's precious name.

Amen.

Well, as we begin the message

this morning, why don't you

take your Bibles and open

to the book of Romans.

Romans chapter 1 is where we will be.

I'll begin reading in verse 18.

It says, "for the wrath of

God is revealed from heaven"

against all ungodliness

and unrighteousness of men,

who by their unrighteousness

suppress the truth.

For what can be known

about God is plain to them,

because God has shown it to them.

For his invisible attributes,

namely his eternal power

and divine nature, have

been clearly perceived ever

since the creation of

the world in the things

that have been made.

"So they are without excuse."

So what's it like living with your grandpa?

It's been very eye opening, I guess.

How so?

Well, I overheard their

Bible study the other day.

And?

And I swear I felt like my

head was going to explode,

Aspen.

You know how we're taught

that we're glorified apes?

Well, the Bible tells us that

we're created in God's image.

So both of those can't

be true at the same time.

Yeah, but Ms. Miller says that Genesis

is just a book of poetry.

So...

Maybe that's because

that's what she was taught.

I actually did my own research,

and it's a historical narrative.

Really?

Yeah.

I found a Bible the

other day, and I started

randomly flipping through it.

It's like everything in it contradicts

everything we're being taught.

Give me one example.

You know how we're taught

that we should follow our hearts?

Yeah.

Well, the Bible tells us that

the heart is desperately wicked.

I'm just wondering if...

What if the Bible is true,

and we're rejecting everything in it?

Like here.

Read this.

Woe unto them that call evil good and good

evil, that put darkness for

light and light for darkness.

Woe unto them?

What's that supposed to mean?

Yeah, I don't know.

That's the part that gets me.

[peaceful music]

Well, good morning.

Good morning.

You look like you didn't

sleep a wink last night.

I'm all right.

Could I get you some more coffee?

No, I'm good.

Thank you.

I was thinking I could make some cookies

for your Bible study.

Well, that would be just delightful, Dear.

Thank you.

[doorbell]

HELEN: I'm sorry I'm early.

I just had to talk to you

in private, if that's OK.

GRANDMOTHER: Well, do come in.

It's my granddaughter, Allie.

They placed her into a

psych ward, of all things.

They've tried all sorts of

meds on her, but none of them

seem to be working.

Helen, you said yourself that

she's steeped in the occult.

You can't fix a spiritual

problem with pharmaceuticals.

I think it's all my fault.

You're going to get

yourself a Ouija board now?

I already did.

GRANDMOTHER: Surely, that can't be.

Certainly it wasn't my intention.

You see, when she was a little girl,

I bought a book set for her.

It was in the fantasy genre.

I thought it was harmless enough.

But before I knew it, she

was dabbling in witchcraft.

And what I thought was a passing fancy

has morphed into an obsession,

one that is destroying her.

GRANDMOTHER: She can't

play with fire without getting burned.

HELEN: What have I done wrong?

GRANDMOTHER: Helen,

it's the enemy of her soul

who is to blame.

Let's commit Allie to the Lord.

He can save her yet.

[somber music]

Hey.

Hey.

Here's some gas money.

Oh, my gosh, can you afford this?

I would give you more if I could.

What has gotten into you lately?

What do you mean?

Well, I just mean, like, you haven't

been acting like yourself.

Gosh, Jaida, was I really that bad?

(SINGING) Darling, I am longing for you.

So take me.

And our love will be true.

My heart aches when I'm thinking of you.

So take me.

Or my world will be blue.

You saved me.

Yes, you carried me through.

So take me.

And I'll never leave you

[peaceful music]

Hey, why aren't you getting ready?

You think it's too late to drop out?

Of the play, Em?

You're not serious.

I'm dead serious.

It just makes such a mockery of God.

I don't feel right about it anymore.

I mean, honestly, I don't either.

But imagine how angry Mrs. Howard would be.

I think I'd rather feel

her wrath over God's.

[horn honking]

Jaida's here.

We'd better get going.

[dramatic music]

(SINGING) No, oh, no,

don't tell me what to do.

Yeah, you don't tell me how to think.

And live and breathe.

No one but you.

Thank God that God

cannot tell me what to do.

Oh, no, don't tell me what to do.

Yeah, you don't tell me how to think.

And live and breathe.

No one but you.

Thank God that God

cannot tell me what to do

[applause]

When I'm on Broadway dating famous people

and you guys are just moms...

But it's like if he keeps

disappearing like that...

[all talking excitedly]

It's going to be a great life.

No, I am.

I'm going to be on Broadway.

I believe it.

[somber music]

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): Of how

much worse punishment do you suppose

will he be thought worthy who has trampled

the Son of God underfoot?

I'm going to head out.

I'll see you guys later.

See you later.

[chatter]

[somber music]

Mary, dinner's ready!

Mary?

Mary?

Mother, she's not answering!

Mary.

[somber music]

Mary is an adult now.

Dorothy, like it or not, she

has to make her own decisions.

And she couldn't even say goodbye?

I know.

I know it's difficult. But

the Lord will see us through.

We've got to trust him.

She left without any warning.

I just don't understand it, Walter.

She's usually so predictable.

If only I had known, perhaps

I could have stopped her.

Walter, I fear it's all my fault.

Had I been more patient

with her, more loving,

surely she'd still be with us.

And my dear mother's

heart wouldn't be broken.

Evelyn, you mustn't blame yourself.

It was a series of bad choices on her part,

and she's to bear the responsibility.

Perhaps you're right.

Nevertheless, my conscience convicts me.

Don't let it, Dear.

Your sins have been

cast as far as the East is...

The East is from the West.

Walter, what would I do without you?

[peaceful music]

Emma, what are you doing here?

It's so good to see you, honey.

I've missed you.

Well, if that's the case,

then can I move back in?

Emma, it wouldn't be safe.

Has my father asked you to leave?

What?

No, of course not.

He'd never do that.

I just don't feel like I

belong there anymore

or anywhere, for that matter.

Give me a minute.

Hey, Emma, you actually

weren't horrible last night.

I didn't think you had it in you.

You were there?

Yeah, I was front row, dead center.

Wouldn't have missed it.

And because I came to your little play,

I was wondering if you'd want

to come to my game Friday night.

I'd really like to, but I just...

See you there.

OK.

Who was that?

Just someone from school.

Split shot, caramel macchiato.

Look, Emma, I know you

don't have much respect for me.

And it's for good reason.

But I need you to hear me out on something.

When I was your age, I had an opportunity

to make something of myself.

I didn't do it.

My life is a wreck, Emma.

Whatever you do, please,

don't follow in my footsteps.

I think you ought to at

least consider it, Nicole.

It's not often that an

opportunity like this

comes around.

And besides, we'd all like to see

you in a healthier environment.

Well, what's wrong with Vegas?

Are you forgetting that I live there?

But, Dad, you know I've

always wanted to be a dancer.

And if I stay in Vegas, I'll

be a showgirl in no time.

Imagine all the money I could make.

Trust me, Nicole, money

can't buy you happiness.

If you saw mother's penthouse, you would

change your mind in an instant.

Three failed marriages

and a battle with addiction

is no recipe for happiness.

Look, I can promise you one thing.

Your mother would give all the glitz

and glamour up in a

heartbeat for some real meaning

and purpose in her life.

I'm not so sure about that.

[phone vibrating]

BECCA (ON PHONE): Hey,

Em, I'm headed to Devin's house.

You want to come with.

Sounds like fun, but did you forget?

It's Sunday.

I get go to church with my grandparents.

BECCA (ON PHONE): Don't

tell me I just drove 45 minutes out

of my way for nothing.

Look out your window.

Well, gee, would have

been nice to know sooner.

BECCA (ON PHONE): You in or out?

OK, just give me a minute, will you?

BECCA (ON PHONE): That's my girl.

[somber music]

Is this Devin's house?

No, it's Aiden's.

Aiden?

As in Aiden O'Conner?

No, Devin's other best friend, Aiden.

Come on.

He's expecting you.

Let's take some time to

smooth out a few things.

Yeah.

Speaking of things that

need to be smoothed out,

Jacob cannot catch.

No, Should not be starting, at all.

Hey, where's Aspen?

She's at church.

She's at church?

I like your earrings.

Where'd you get 'em?

I don't remember.

Well, when are you

coming to school, anyways?

I'm not sure yet.

Well, I've been missing you, you know?

- You have?

- Yeah.

Come here.

I want to show you something.

So what'd they do then, call the police?

- No, they called my mom.

- Go!

Fight!

That's even worse.

Go! Fight!

What?

That's even worse!

I know, right?

She must've, like, totally freaked out.

Yep.

Well, at least she cares.

- Go, fight!

- That's what I was thinking.

Red, black, and white!

[cheering]

COMMENTATOR (ON

LOUDSPEAKER): Call on field is

pass interference, number 14.

That's not pass interference!

Take his whistle!

Take his whistle!

Take his whistle!

Take his whistle!

Did you see it?

What are you doing up here?

You missed it, didn't you?

I just sent this kid to the hospital.

They said he's got a dislocated shoulder.

Wow, sounds like you're

destined for greatness.

Come on.

I just put six more points on the board.

Guys, we're up by 17 now.

[cheering]

Cool.

We could really use a mascot down there.

You'd be able to see me better.

- Come on.

- I don't know about that.

OK.

[knocking]

Hey, babe.

So, are we going?

Hmm?

So why did it take you so long anyway?

What, to ask you out?

Yeah.

That's because you're impossible to read.

Geez, sorry.

So what are your plans after you graduate?

I'm not sure yet.

What about you?

Get rich quick.

And how do you expect to

do that, by robbing a bank?

Why should that matter?

Because Aiden, that's breaking the law.

Well, I'm sorry, Miss Goody Two Shoes,

but what's wrong for one

person is perfectly fine for another.

So what, if it feels good, do it?

Works for me.

Have I told you how

beautiful you look today?

Aiden, this is a nightclub.

They're going to card us.

I'm taking care of it.

Trust me.

[dramatic music]

You're pushing the

envelope this time, buddy.

[dance music]

There's a coat rack over there.

You've been here before?

Are you kidding me?

This is my second home.

[dance music]

NICOLE (VOICE OVER):

Whatever you do, please,

don't follow in my footsteps.

Go ahead.

Try it.

I'm gluten free.

All the better for me.

Wow, this is good.

They look the same.

That's cause it is.

You want to dance?

[dance music]

Hi, Jaida.

Do you think you could come pick us up?

Aiden's too wasted to drive.

JAIDA (ON PHONE): Where are you?

The Four States.

Just please come pick us up, Jaida.

I promise I'll make it up to you.

No way am I getting out of bed.

Call Aspen.

[music playing]

You have no idea how much this means to me.

That's what friends are for.

Yeah, but Aspen, it's 1:00 AM.

And no offense or anything,

but it's just not like you to... you

know.

Put myself out?

That's not what I was suggesting.

I know.

You're right, though.

The old me never would

have bothered to come.

The old you?

Really, Emma, what do

you see in him anyway?

He reminds me of your step dad.

Don't... don't say that.

AIDEN: Stop the car!

I'm going to throw up.

We're not moving.

AIDEN: Speak for yourself.

Trust me, Emma, you

can do better than this.

[police siren]

Roy!

I'm really sorry, Officer.

My speedometer is broken.

Excuse me?

Yeah, it's just...

You're parked illegally, sir.

Oh.

Look, if you'd just been honest

and not lied about your speedometer,

I might have given you a warning.

License and registration.

Great.

Thank you.

Here are these for you, sir.

And let this be a lesson

for you, young man.

Have a good day.

I told you we couldn't park

here, but you wouldn't listen,

would you?

Mr. Buford was right about that, too.

About what, Mary?

Oh, nothing.

Nothing at all.

How much did we make last night anyways?

After the ticket, you mean?

$1.76.

Well, at least we can

get the speedometer fixed.

Aren't you funny?

I've just been dying to go to the theater.

Well, we could go to a

matinee or something.

Why, isn't that chivalrous of you?

I thought you said all

men were chauvinists.

I suppose there's always the exception.

[somber music]

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Mary, is that you?

I'm sorry, Dear.

The connection's poor.

Did you say Las Vegas?

What?

Hello?

I sure did.

And I have news for you, Mother.

Roy and I have tied the knot.

Isn't it grand?

Mother?

Are you there?

Think anyone heard my stomach growling?

One of these days, we'll

be on that stage, Roy.

Fancy that.

What makes you so sure?

Why, Roy, I can do

anything I set my mind to.

Would that happen to include cooking?

I think I'll be sick if I have

to eat one more TV dinner.

How insulting.

Mary, what did I say?

(SINGING) Darling, I am longing for you.

So take me.

And our love will be true.

My heart aches when I'm thinking of you.

So take me or my world will be blue.

You saved me.

Yes, you carried me through.

So take me.

And I'll never leave you

[applause]

Have you ever thought about

growing out your sideburns?

My sideburns?

Look, all I can think

about right now is dinner.

I'm starving.

You need money to eat, you know?

Right, which is why we need to

save what little we have instead

of blowing it on the theater.

How dare you.

This is going well.

It sure is, isn't it?

PREACHER (ON COMPUTER): But understand

this, that in the last

days, there will come times

of difficulty.

For people will be lovers

of self, lovers of money,

proud, arrogant, a*usive,

disobedient to their parents,

ungrateful, unholy,

heartless, unappeasable,

slanderous, without self-control, brutal,

not loving good, treacherous,

reckless, swollen with conceit,

lovers of pleasure

rather than lovers of God,

having the appearance of

godliness but denying its power.

Avoid such people.

[dramatic music]

[phone ringing]

NICOLE (ON PHONE):

Emma, where have you been.

EMMA (ON PHONE): At home with a migraine.

NICOLE (ON PHONE): I'm coming in.

Honey, I have to tell you something.

OK.

I don't know how to say this.

What?

What?

You're really freaking me out.

There's been a sh**ting at your school.

What?

Was anyone hurt?

Yes.

I have to text Aspen.

I have to call her.

No, honey.

Aspen was at school.

OK, I need to make sure...

Aspen is dead.

[sobs] What?

Come here.

[somber music]

[crying] She...

She was my best friend.

[somber music]

When did it happen?

At lunch, in the cafeteria.

Where were you?

In the theater.

I... I had left my inhaler in the theater.

I was sitting next to Aspen.

Um, I realized that it was

gone, that I didn't have it.

And...

The second, after I

left, um, he k*lled her.

It should have been me.

Don't say that.

I'm just glad you're OK.

I'm not though.

I keep having these

flashbacks where my heart starts

pounding out of my chest.

And I can't breathe.

And then I hear the baby cry.

The baby cry?

Did no one tell you?

Tell me what?

They saved the baby.

Whose baby?

Aspen's baby.

I didn't know she was pregnant.

Neither did I.

[peaceful music]

Mary!

Evelyn, I'm sure I'm the last person you'd

hope to see at your doorstep.

Don't be silly.

Come in.

Can I make you some iced tea or...

It's fine.

Thanks.

Why, this beautiful child

wouldn't happen to be my niece,

now, would she?

And more than that, if you'd like.

What?

Evelyn, I'm not going

to beat around the bush.

Roy's left me for another woman.

I can't possibly take care

of this child on my own.

Surely, you're not serious.

Indeed, I am.

Will you take her or not?

You don't care to see her

become a ward of the state, do you?

Lord, have mercy on her soul.

Walter, dear, are you ready to be a father?

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): But I say unto you

which hear, love your enemies,

do good to them which hate you,

bless them that curse you.

And pray for them, which

despite fully use you.

Luke 6:27 and 28.

Hello, Evelyn.

What are you doing here?

I suppose you're here to see Nicole.

I'm not worthy of her.

I actually came to see you.

Is that so?

Look, I just need to talk if that's OK.

She's been sleeping in lately,

so I suppose that I could...

I'll hurry.

I promise.

Why did you leave her, Roy?

She left me.

Not according to Mary.

She said it was another woman.

I'd never do that.

Somehow, I find that hard to believe.

Look, think the worst of me.

I deserve it, but it's the truth, Evelyn.

[baby crying]

Look, when I laid my eyes on that baby,

something changed in me.

I even went to church for the first time.

Boy, did that ever rattle Mary's cage.

She swore she'd never let me go back.

And then what happened?

Gave her a piece of my mind.

I imagine that went over well.

Well, that's when she went packing.

I'm really sorry, Roy.

Look, just tell me

this one thing, and I'll...

I'll beat feet.

I know I've done a lot

of bad things in my life,

but is there any hope for the likes of me

and getting right with God?

Well, you certainly can't save yourself.

It's Christ's work on

the cross that saves us.

All you have to do is believe.

So I can just keep on living my life, then?

Not so fast.

The Bible also says that

faith without works is dead.

But you just said our works don't save us.

Because they don't.

It's by grace that we've

been saved through faith.

But once we're saved, Christ doesn't just

leave us in our sins.

He begins to change us.

Here, maybe this will help.

Today is a day of mourning where

we gather to say goodbye

to a beloved daughter,

sister, friend, and mother.

We honor a life that's so

young, so full of promise,

yet tragically taken from us

by a senseless act of violence.

But today is also a day of rejoicing

because Aspen is more fully alive now

than she ever was in this life.

You see, Aspen is with

Jesus, and for those in Christ,

to be absent from the body

is to be present with the Lord.

Aspen would want everyone standing

here to have the same hope that she

found when she came to Christ.

No one is guaranteed tomorrow.

If you die today, would you find yourself

like Aspen in the presence of God,

or eternally separated from him?

To come to Christ, simply

admit that you are a sinner.

Believe that Jesus died for your sins.

Call upon his name.

Friends, the hour is late.

Seek him while he can still be found.

There's still one thing I can't understand.

If God is good, why is there

so much suffering in the world?

Well, the Bible makes clear that suffering

is a result of sin.

As to the nature of that suffering,

there are going to be things in this life

that we simply do not understand

because well, God is God,

and we're not.

But for those who put their trust in him,

he promises that all things

will work together for good,

even our greatest adversities.

But how can I trust

someone I can't understand?

You get to know him, Roy.

To know him is to trust him.

How do I do that?

He's already revealed

himself to us in his word.

[baby cooing]

You don't suppose I could see her, do you?

Follow me.

[peaceful music]

Ms. Bryant, Emma, it's so nice to see you.

Good to see you.

May I have a word?

Of course.

I can only imagine that

you have some questions.

Yeah.

Please ask any question that you have.

I was just wondering,

was there school shootings

when you were a kid?

Not nearly as many as they are today.

What changed then?

That is a really good question.

It's also a tough question.

There was a time in our nation

where children were taught

to honor their parents and

respect authority, recognize

they were a part of something

bigger than themselves,

but most importantly, to revere the Lord.

And as a result, our nation was blessed.

And then what happened?

Another great question.

Slowly but surely, God

was removed from schools.

He was removed from our public square.

Even in churches today,

it's hard to even hear

him talked about in the pulpit.

And anytime God's removed

out of his rightful place,

we can't as a nation

expect his favor to remain.

So there's no hope for us?

Oh, I actually have a

question for you, Emma.

What did Aspen name her baby?

She named her Hope.

And why did she name her Hope?

She told me that she found hope in Christ.

I want you to know that

same hope is available to you.

But what if I'm not a good person?

Shouldn't I be the one

asking that question?

Here's the hope I want

you both to understand,

that the Bible says while

we were still yet sinners,

Christ died for us.

The Bible also says that

if we confess our sins,

he is faithful.

He is just to forgive us of

all of our unrighteousness.

Will you pray with us?

It will be my pleasure.

EVELYN (VOICE OVER): My hope is built

on nothing less than Jesus'

blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

but wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ, the solid rock, I stand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

[SIDEWALK PROPHETS, "COME TO THE TABLE"]

(SINGING) We all start on the outside.

The outside looking in.

This is where grace begins.

We were hungry.

We were thirsty.

With nothing left to give.

Oh, the shape that we were in.

And just when all hope seemed lost.

Love opened the door for us.

He said come to the table.

Come join the sinners.

Who have been redeemed.

Take your place beside the Savior.

Sit down and be set free.

Come to the table.

Come meet this motley crew of misfits.

These liars and these thieves.

There's no one unwelcome here.

And that sin and shame

that you brought with you.

You can leave it at the door.

And let mercy draw you near.

So come to the table.

Come join the sinners.

Who have been redeemed.

Take your place beside the Savior.

Sit down and be set free.

Come to the table.

Come to the table.

To the thief and to the doubter.

To the hero and the coward.

To the prisoner and the soldier.

To the young and to the older.

All who hunger, all who thirst.

All the last and all the first.

All the paupers and the princes.

All who failed and been forgiven.

All who dream and all who suffer.

All who've loved and lost another.

All the chained and all the free.

All who follow.

All who lead.

Anyone who's been let down.

All the lost who have been found.

All who've been labeled right or wrong.

To every one who hears this song.

Come to the table.

Come join the sinners.

You have been redeemed.

Take your place beside the savior.

Sit down and be set free.

Oh, sit down and be set free.

Come to the table.

Come to the table.

Sit down and be set free.

Come to the table