Gwen Shamblin: Starving for Salvation (2023) Movie Script

1
- Would you state
your name, please?
- Gwen shamblin-lara.
- And you're the leader of
the remnant fellowship church.
- Well, I'm one of several
church leaders, yes.
- What is your
title in the church?
- My title?
- What do they call you?
- They call me gwen.
- Okay. Regarding
the matter at hand...
Have you ever instructed
your parishioners
In how they should
discipline their children?
(sighing)
- no. No.
- More specifically,
Did you ever instruct
any of your parishioners
To beat their children
with glue sticks?
- Never.
- If I were to tell you that we have
recordings of you saying precisely that,
Would you want to
change your answer?
- I would question the
integrity of any such recording.
- Alright, why don't we just
start again from the beginning.
(sighing)
(sighing)
- I'm a pig.
I just got off the scale.
- Oh, no. Is it crushed
beyond repair?
- I'm four pounds heavier
than I was this summer.
I'm always up and down! I can never get
my weight where I want and keep it there.
- Gwen, you barely cast a shadow.
Four pounds isn't gonna kill ya.
- This isn't just about me. I teach
nutrition, for goodness sakes.
And I can't lose
four extra pounds,
And I'm supposed to be helping
other people lose hundreds?
- And you do. (sighing)
- How do I get rid of emptiness?
- Emptiness?
- My client, you know, she's eating.
I don't have her on any kind
of broth-and-breadcrumb diet,
But still, she says she
feels this emptiness.
- Isn't that just hunger?
- Maybe, but the word she used was emptiness, not hunger.
I don't know why that word's been
stuck in my head ever since she said it,
And it's been bugging me,
Because she says this emptiness
Just pulls her
to the refrigerator
When she knows
she didn't want to eat.
She doesn't want food.
She wants to drop
the extra pounds.
(sighing)
- maybe...
...Just means she's
hungry, hmm? (chuckling)
- But hungry for what?
(bell tolling)
(background chatter)
Oh, sure. Yeah.
Thank you.
- Alright,
Let's have your plate, gwen.
- Not for me today, thanks.
- I wish I had your restraint.
You know, my doctor,
He said my blood
type is, uh, velveeta.
- He did not.
- He's a real cut-up, that one, let me tell ya.
- Yeah, well, I've got four
nasty pounds I'm looking to shed,
So none of the good stuff.
- Alright, dear.
- You want some?
- Alright, tammy, load me up.
- Thanks, y'all, for
coming out today.
Uh... I'm hungry too,
so I'll keep it brief.
Let's everybody bow our heads,
Give thanks.
We thank you, lord,
For the bounty we're about to
receive in jesus's name. Amen.
(all): Amen.
- Amen.
Michael, elizabeth, eat
up. (background chatter)
Put your napkin here.
(chuckling)
(sighing)
(snoring)
No, you are not hungry.
(soft music)
Please, help me understand
what I am missing.
What is this emptiness?
And how do I fill it?
Please, god.
Give me your divine guidance.
Please.
Don't you see? That's
my point. Once I prayed,
I didn't want it anymore. And the
same thing happened at work today.
I was reaching for the
second half of my sandwich
And I realized I'm not hungry.
So, david, I prayed again.
And the emptiness was gone.
- Then what was the emptiness?
- Spiritual. It's a
spiritual emptiness...
...That can only
be filled by god.
You get it?
- Not entirely.
- Okay, my client, melanie,
She says she can't stop
eating because she feels
Like she's always starving.
And she is starving!
Just not for food.
David, all I had to
do was pray to god,
And ask him to fill
that empty space
That I would've filled
with food, and he did it.
- You show those four
pounds who's boss, sweetheart.
- Uh-huh! (david chuckling)
New sheriff in town.
Yeah.
(indistinct chatter)
- Gwen.
- Oh, hey, emily.
- I did just what you
said and it worked.
- Oh, it does, doesn't it?
- I'm down four
pounds in two weeks.
- Mm-mm-mm.
- I just start taking smaller portions,
And taking little sips of
tea in between my bites,
And then just letting god fill
up whatever emptiness was left.
- Praise god! What'd I tell you?
- Are you still doing it?
- A month and a half.
Down... Six.
- Gwen, you have to bottle this.
- Oh, emily, I'm
way ahead of you.
Oh... Would you like to join me?
I will be putting these
up around town today...
For my new workshop.
- Oh, yes, I do.
- Well, guess what.
We have a date. Let's go.
- Let's go! I thank you so much.
I can't tell you how happy I am.
- Ahem.
(sighing)
So... We all here? (chuckling)
Well, okay, uh, my
name is gwen shamblin,
And I'm a nutritionist
and a christian.
(all): Hi, gwen.
- So y'all here to maybe
lose some weight?
(all agreeing) yeah?
Well, I've come up with a
method that'll help you lose weight
And bring you closer
to god at the same time.
It's very simple.
Even when we're not hungry,
Sometimes we want to eat.
But that emptiness
isn't your stomach.
It's your heart.
And your heart
doesn't need food.
It needs god.
- Gwen, still?
- I'm fine.
- You should be.
So what if it wasn't
a packed house.
You got through to those people.
- Yeah, all two of 'em.
- Three if you count emily.
- Oh, three whole people.
- You know who else
started small? Jesus.
(chuckling)
- well...
He went big when he
started walking on water,
And that ain't in my skill set.
- Come on, what's
really bugging you?
- Mm. I'm just frustrated.
I feel like I'm pointing
the way out of the desert
And everybody
thinks it's just a mirage.
- You gotta give it
more of a chance.
- I don't know.
It just makes me feel
so inconsequential.
- Come on, gwen.
You got two degrees,
Your own practice,
teach college, great kids.
Not to mention a
fantastic husband.
Everybody should be as
inconsequential as you.
- Oh, davey, you know I'm
grateful for everything I have. I...
I just have this drive to
reach as many people as I can,
And help as many
people as I can.
I feel that's what
god wants from me.
- It was only one
session, sweetheart.
- Yeah. Or maybe
people just think
I'm some crazy lady in a garage.
- I mean, jesus didn't
even have a garage.
- David... I'm not jesus.
- That's right. You're
gwen shamblin.
And gwen shamblin came up with a
new way to lose weight that really works.
Works for you, works for emily.
And things that
work, they catch on.
- And god hates a quitter.
(soft music)
(gwen gasping)
Well, lookie here!
Wow. We got a few
more people today.
I think you two been talkin'.
- I'm already down two pounds.
- Praise god!
It really works, doesn't it?
Well, okay, I'm gwen shamblin,
And I'll be leading
y'all on a journey.
Is it about weight
loss? Yes, it is.
(sighing)
- You aware it's
approaching 2 a.M.?
- No, it is not.
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, boy. When
you get a roll...
(david sighing)
- You're on page 236?
- Yeah, I'm writing a
book, not a pamphlet.
- Couple of hundred pages,
though, for a diet book?
- David, you know
it's more than that.
It's a spiritual guide.
- Uh-uh. It's bedtime.
I don't want you
burning yourself out.
- Okay, let me just get
through this chapter. I'm--
Oh, david!
- Nope. Thou shall
get thy beauty sleep.
- No, I... Well, you
have to turn it off!
(sighing)
- Doesn't mean
anything, sweetheart.
- Yeah, it means
nobody wants my book.
- Come on, gwen. So what?
Your workshops are still huge,
Your videos are
still doing great.
You can't tell
me you still think
You're inconsequential.
- I mean, maybe... Maybe
I've been wasting my time...
...Just, you know, going to
the christian publishing houses,
Because they don't have near
the reach that I want, that I need.
Maybe I should be
going for your, you know,
Your simon & shuster,
your doubleday.
- Well, that's ambitious,
Which is good.
I only worry that if the christian
publishers aren't interested
In a christian-based diet book,
Will the big houses
really want it?
- God willing.
(indistinct chatter)
Good morning!
- Oh, mrs. Shamblin?
- Oh, please call me
gwen. What's your name?
- It's carmen, ma'am.
- Oh, hello, carmen.
It's so nice to meet you.
- It's nice to meet you, too.
Um, can I just say personally
What an honour it is
to be working for you?
- Oh, bless your heart.
- Really, I-I can see
the hope and inspiration
You're bringing to
people with this program.
I'm just so proud
to be a part of it.
- I am so touched,
carmen. Thank you.
Have a great day.
- Thanks. You, too, ma'am. Bye.
- I'm not special. I'm no
different from any of you.
God does not favour me over you.
Let me tell you something.
There is not one
person in this room
Who cannot tackle this demon.
And this demon isn't food.
It's sin.
When we overindulge ourselves,
We are falling short
of the glory of god.
And that is what sin is.
And we can only overcome sin...
With god's help.
Because with god on
our side, we cannot lose!
Well, we can lose.
Weight, that is.
(laughter) but y'all
know what I mean.
(indistinct chatter)
Oh, thank you!
(indistinct chatter) bye.
Thank you. Oh...
Come over here, give me a hug.
Okay. Oop. Okay. Thank you.
Thank you. See you later. Bye.
Oh, hi.
- I'm down 10 pounds
because of you.
- Oh, bless your heart.
- I've tried so many
other methods.
I was really ready to give up.
- Well, you just keep
puttin' it in god's hands.
- My wife and I cannot
stop talking about you.
- Oh, well, it's not about me.
- I'm david martin.
This is my wife, jennifer.
- We drive miles
to come to these.
I wish there was someone
like you in our church.
- Oh, what parts you from?
- We're out in willowdale.
- Oh, well, heck, I think we
have workshops out there.
We are spreading like wildfires.
If you were thinking maybe you
wanted one in your own church,
I think, jennifer,
That you would probably be
very good at running one of these.
(exclamations)
- Me? Oh...
Oh, my gosh. I-I
don't know what to say.
Well, okay. Okay.
Thank you.
- Thank you so much.
That was... Incredible.
- Ah, so good.
(david sighing) -
the kids are in bed.
You may commence foot rub. Ooh.
- Well, you'll have to rub
your own feet tonight, buddy.
(david sighing)
- what's that?
- I'm at a moral crossroads.
- Well, if you think that's
more important than a foot rub...
- Here's the thing.
I feel blessed that I'm reaching
so many people with this program
And I feel like I'm
doing god's work.
But, baby, maybe making just a
little more money at it, is that wrong?
- Why? This is
work. A lot of work.
- Right? Yeah, but...
But what's the number?
(david sighing) what's
fair and what's greedy?
- Let's see what we've got.
- Okay, for a 12-week workshop,
We've got all these expenses:
We've got gas money,
Material,
photocopying... I mean...
...I need all this right here.
- That's a lot.
- Right?
And the donations we collect...
Yeah, that'd pretty much
cover all of it. But I thought...
If I just charged a flat rate,
I'd cover costs and maybe
make just a little bit of profit.
So I came up with
this number here.
- Hmm.
- I mean, you're the one with the
divinity degree. What do you think?
- Here.
Selling good seats,
You should reap what you sow.
- Well... That's
definitely reaping.
- You're providing
something very valuable,
And working like crazy and
you're making a big impact.
How's that greedy?
Let's go to sleep. You've got that
book signing tomorrow in new york.
- Mrs. Shamblin, I'm nancy,
I'm your rep from doubleday.
- Oh, hi, nancy. It's
nice to meet you.
- I hope your travel
went smoothly.
- Oh, yes, it did.
And, you know,
I had never ridden in a limo
before. I felt like a movie star.
(nancy chuckling) I'm
just a little confused.
I thought that the signing
was set up at a bookstore.
- It was, but we actually
got a surprising response.
We needed to change the venue.
- Oh.
- People seem to
just love this book.
- Oh, thank you. I did put
my heart and soul into it.
- Okay, she's here.
Get ready to announce.
So right through
here to the stage.
- The stage?
- Yes.
Go ahead.
(announcer): Please give a
warm welcome to gwen shamblin!
(cheering)
(gwen laughing)
(laughing)
- Oh... Well, y'all can't
be here for little me.
(laughter)
Well...
...Let's get started.
My name is gwen shamblin.
- Hey, everybody!
How y'all doin'?!
(crowd cheering)
Welcome. Welcome, everyone...
To the 1999 weigh down
workshop desert oasis.
(crowd cheering)
Let me ask you something.
Y'all ready to see gwen?
(crowd cheering)
- Do not spray that cheap
crap in my hair, sheri!
What am I, a hooker?
(announcer): Well,
folks, here she is.
The founder of the weigh
down workshop, gwen shamblin!
(crowd cheering)
(loud cheering)
- Oh.
How y'all doin' on
this glorious day?
(crowd cheering)
We are blessed...
To have attendees...
From 37 states
and six countries.
(crowd exclaiming)
I mean... I mean...
You know, it's still
hard for me to grasp
That this little program
I started in my garage...
...And now to be in
14,000 churches--
(wild cheering)
I love these annual rallies.
It's just like we are
creating our own little city.
It's like a garden of eden apart
from the fallen world out there.
(cheering) we have
some special guests
For you tonight. Come up!
They didn't bring the
700 pounds they lost, but...
Show everybody
what you did bring.
(crowd whooping and exclaiming)
Come on, come on.
(man): Whoa!
- Come on!
I mean, I could just get
in these pants with him
And there would still be room.
(laughter)
So I have to say I have
known tammy here for ages,
And she has always struggled
with her weight. Is that right?
- That's right.
- Well, will you tell us, tammy?
- I just want to point out that gwen
didn't just make a great diet plan,
But she built up a
whole community.
I mean, look around.
This is something beautiful,
And I'm just so
grateful to be a part of it.
- Oh, bless your
heart. (applause)
- Thank you.
- I love you.
Praise god. (all): Praise god!
- Praise god. (applause)
(all): We love you,
gwen! We love you, gwen!
(chanting continues)
- Uh, uh...
That went well, huh? (laughing)
- Those people worship you.
- "worship" is a
very big word, david.
- I dunno. When people
start chanting your name,
What word would you use?
- I dunno. Excited, exhilarated.
Joyful. And they should be.
- I'm just sayin', is all.
- You're just saying what?
- Just...
Stay gwen, alright?
- Well... Well, who
else am I gonna be?
If it makes them feel better
chanting my name, it's okay.
All I hear is... "glory
to god." (chuckling)
- Maybe, but what
they're saying...
...Is "glory to gwen."
- God knows men are imperfect
and can never be sinless,
Yet our sins...
...Needed to be wiped away
If we're to join
the lord in eternity.
Someone had to pay for our sins.
And that someone
was our lord jesus christ!
So rejoice!
Your sins have been forgiven...
By his blood.
Can I get an amen?
(parishioners): Amen.
- Hey, do you have
just a quick sec?
I wanted to ask you
about something.
- Sure.
- Now, listen,
This is not a big deal at all.
It's just that I, uh, I did
mess up one of the orders,
And I just wanted to
give you the heads-up,
'cause I was
worried that maybe...
Gwen, have I caught
you at a bad time?
- It's... People are getting
the wrong message here.
- In church?
- This is why some people fail
At the weigh down. When
you're told that your sins
Are washed away for nothin',
Well, then why not keep
sinning? Why not be gluttons?
It's no wonder that some of our
people are gaining their weight back.
They hear our message
on Wednesday night,
They come here and hear
this message on Sunday?
Well, they figure: Why not just
keep refilling at the Sunday buffet?
'cause jesus paid for it.
(laughing)
- ah...
Gwen, I mean, come on, you're...
You're not sayin' that people
should be rejecting jesus?
- No, of course not.
Just... Sometimes,
Maybe they need to go
over his head, you know?
- Oh.
- Just can't have these preachers messing up my program!
Anyway, I gotta go.
See you tomorrow?
- Bye.
(mumbling)
- I am your vessel, lord.
I have so many ears...
Listening to me,
And I fear I do not
have the words.
(sighing) speak through me...
So that I may deliver your
word free of human corruption.
Amen.
- Hey, hey! (all): Hey!
- How y'all doin' tonight? Good?
(enthusiastic response)
yes! That's what I like to hear.
Okay, listen.
You have all come
so far in this program,
And I'm really proud
of each one of you.
So for our last
session, what I... Oh!
Okay. Well, this is a
surprise. Look, everybody.
We are getting an in-person
visit from our founder,
Gwen shamblin.
- Hey, everybody.
(crowd cheering)
- Alright, everybody.
Let the lady speak.
- I have an important
message for everybody.
The other night I was praying.
And I've been
disturbed more and more
By some of the messages
coming from the modern-day church.
What I'm hearing...
Is that we're being
given a licence to sin...
Through christ's sacrifice.
In church, we are taught
that jesus is equal to god.
But how could that be?
Because before his crucifixion,
Jesus called to
god. He said, "god!
God, not my will,
But yours," he said.
Well, there's a colossal
distinction right there.
Because jesus was acknowledging
A very clear line of authority,
With god at the very top.
But our churches preach
to you the holy trinity.
They tell you that the father,
The son and the holy
spirit are all equal.
Well, I'm here to
tell you somethin'.
That is simply not true.
Because it is only...
Through god himself, directly,
That you can conquer sin.
And any church that tells
you otherwise is counterfeit.
God has called upon me...
To warn the people.
I have been called upon...
To start a new church.
And this church will be a place
Where the remnants of
all the bogus churches
Can come to find true...
Christian perfection.
And every one of you
Are invited to join.
(cheering and applause)
(man talking
indistinctly on phone)
- I understand that you feel that
way, pastor, but if you could just give--
- ...Of the trinity
is heresy! Heresy!
- Hello? Hello?
- "may you and your families
be smote with running sores."
That paints a pretty picture.
- Hmm. I read one yesterday
That was nice enough to
mention the horse I rode in on.
(laughter)
- Well, this is a
whole lot of bad.
- Gwen's not
worried, so I'm not.
- I dunno. We lost
almost half our churches.
That doesn't trouble her?
- Gary, gwen's been right
About everything so far.
I want you to have a
little faith, sweetheart.
Where you taking me for dinner?
- It's a surprise.
- Hmm. So you have no idea.
- None whatsoever.
- Good mornin'! Aw,
let me see some smiles.
It's a brand-new day,
never been lived in before.
- I don't know what you
thought was gonna happen.
- I can only tell people
what I know to be the truth.
- What you know to be the truth?
Where you gettin'
these truths from?
- Same place you get yours.
I'm interpreting scripture.
- Well, my interpretation
is that the trinity is real.
And, if it matters, I'm the
one with the masters in divinity.
- I'm the one with the audience.
Sorry if that stings
your ego, but it's true.
- Did you happen to notice the very
big chunk of people you just drove away?
- And have you noticed
how many stayed?
I'm in the business of
trimming the fat, honey.
- So was that your plan?
Purging the organization
Of everyone but
your true believers?
- I put myself in god's hands
from the very beginning,
And I've seen
miraculous results.
I've gotta believe I'm
doin' something right.
- What're you doing, anyway?
You've been in there an hour.
- I'm doin' my hair.
- One follicle at a time?
- Ha-ha.
- Well, no one's gonna
miss you in the crowd.
(gwen chuckling)
- The higher the
hair, the closer to god.
- I just heard that your publisher
cancelled your new book?
- Yep. A few angry letters
and they got spooked.
Who cares?
You know, I'll get
another publisher,
Or we'll publish it ourselves.
- Gwen, can I tell
you something?
People around here are
starting to get worried.
I mean, what with your
trinity announcement,
And all of these
returns and everything,
There's a lot of people that are
starting to worry about their jobs.
- Well, they don't have to.
Emily, can I tell
you something...
Extraordinary?
I experienced a true miracle.
I've been talking to god
a lot lately, as you know.
And the other night,
god spoke back.
- What? What do you mean?
You mean like he "spoke"
spoke, like out loud?
- He told me not to hesitate
in beginning his new church.
We don't have a second to waste.
Come here. I gotta
show you something.
(sighing)
I hired these people
to build this website,
And this is a mock-up
Of what the actual
building would look like.
- Oh, wow.
You're starting your own church.
(gwen laughing)
- praise god.
Everybody, the remnant
fellowship church.
(applause)
It's gonna be nice, not having
services in the warehouse, huh?
(laughter) (exclaiming)
- Hey!
- Who wants cake?
Hey.
Mm-mm.
So yummy. (david chuckling)
(gwen laughing)
Mm!
- Mrs. Shamblin?
- Mm!
Please call me gwen. (laughter)
- Oh, we're new to the church.
I just wanted to
introduce you to my family.
I'm joseph smith. And
this is my wife, sonya.
- Oh, well, welcome. And...
Who's this little cutie?
- This is josef jr.
- You want to watch out for
this one. He's a troublemaker.
- Well, the remnant fellowship
Has lots of babysitters
out of the youth group,
And they can handle
pretty much anything.
(laughter)
- We think you're
doing great work, gwen.
- Oh, thank you.
- And we'll follow you
wherever you lead us.
- Well, I hope that is
right to god's doorstep.
- Hmm. Amen.
- The kids' stuff, that goes
upstairs in the bedroom.
- Got it.
- In the living room.
My wife will show
you where that goes.
- Yes, sir, mr. Shamblin.
(indistinct chatter)
(knocking)
- Oh, come on in,
carmen. Come in.
Have a seat.
- We've been meetin' with everybody
personally in the organization,
Because loyalty's a very
important thing, don't you think?
- Absolutely. I... I agree.
- Good, good. Because we
believe the best way to reach people
Is for everyone
at the weigh down
To approach things
from the same philosophy.
- Oh, for sure. I mean,
no, that makes sense.
- Well, we're very glad to
hear you say that, carmen,
Because moving forward,
We're gonna need
everyone employed here
To become members of the church.
- Oh, I am. I've been a member of the
same church since... Since I was born.
- Well, what I need from you...
Is for you to be a member of
our church, remnant fellowship.
You'd do that for me?
- It's a long story.
- Alright.
(indistinct chatter)
- Emily, did you
go along with this?
They're kicking me out
'cause I won't join her church.
- Well, this is gwen's company.
I mean, how hard would it be to
join the remnant, carmen? Come on.
- You mean join or be fired?
You really believe that's right?
- I believe...
I believe in gwen.
(david martin): There was a
time when I lived a life that...
That had to be apologized for.
But when I came to
the remnant fellowship,
I finally saw
how to live with...
With no secrets
and no dark places.
And for that I am...
Grateful beyond description.
We all should be.
And I think we all owe it
to one person, don't we?
Ladies and gentlemen,
Fellow saints of
the remnant nation,
I give you gwen
shamblin, the prophetess!
(wild cheering)
(cheering)
- Oh, thank you so much, gary.
Thank you very much.
Oh. (gasping)
Isn't it great? I mean, I saw it
and I just thought of the two of you.
I think it's perfect for you.
- For us? Gwen, we're
not looking for a house.
- Oh, this neighbourhood
is selling up fast.
You don't want to miss out.
- Gwen, to remind
you of the obvious,
We aren't even married.
- Well, yeah, I expect
you to be married first,
But I think it's about
time, don't you?
Gary, this here is a great gal.
- Gwen, please. Don't put
him on the spot like that.
- Oh. See?
There's deirdre and bob.
Why are y'all
dragging your feet?
We're building a community here.
- No, I know, I know.
- It's gonna be great.
We're all gonna live here
in brentwood together,
Have our own doctors
and construction people,
Plumbers, lawyers,
All from the remnant.
- Wow. So we're gonna be...
Independent from the
outside world altogether.
Is that what you're telling
me? Is that what you mean?
- Like the amish,
but with electricity.
- Okay, listen. I-I'm
sorry, I'm rushing you.
I'm just so excited.
I want our people married,
I want to see babies!
I just want to see our
community grow and thrive!
Come on.
Do you, emily bertram,
Take gary stockwood...
As your lawfully wedded husband?
- I do.
- Then I now pronounce you...
...All of you...
Husbands and wives!
Gentlemen... You
may kiss your brides.
(applause)
Today is the day I've been
waiting for for a very long time.
We are finally, finally
christening the exodus group,
Which will be the organization
Overseeing all
of the enterprises
And taking care of all the needs
Of the remnant fellowship.
(applause)
- Ah, at this rate,
We'll be building a wall around
brentwood by the end of the year.
- Oh, adrienne, you
are such a cynic.
- Oh, I believe in gwen.
Don't get me wrong.
- I know. It's just that lately,
you've been making a lot of cracks.
- Yeah, well, it just feels...
- Praise god!
- ...Like gwen is more interested in
playing god rather than serving him.
(gwen): That doesn't mean for
certain that he's cheating on you, emily.
- He admitted it. When I showed him what
I'd found, I mean, how could he deny it?
It was right there on his phone.
- Well, I'm so sorry, emily.
- I just don't know how I
can ever trust him again.
(sniffling)
- Well, you're not abandoned.
I will do everything I can to help
you get through this. You know that.
- I don't want to
get through this.
I don't want a divorce,
but I don't want...
- Well, I mean, you
can't get a divorce.
- I don't want a divorce, gwen.
I'm just saying it's still raw,
And I can't see a way
of getting through this.
I cannot stand the idea of ever
getting into the same bed as him.
- Emily... Look at me.
Look at me.
I don't think you
understand completely
What I mean when I
say you can't divorce.
What I mean is, god forbids it.
I know you're in terrible pain,
But... You are surrounded
By people who love
and care about you.
And we will help you through it.
But you made a promise...
Before god to your husband.
You know these things
are never just one-sided.
You know, we need
to look at ourselves
Whenever things like this occur.
- What are you saying, gwen?
- When men stray,
It's always for a reason.
- Why, yeah, of course, but--
- You have put on some
weight lately. Let's be honest.
- So this is my fault?
- No, it's his fault.
But...
You have allowed sin...
To re-enter your life.
This is just all part of
it. That's all I'm sayin'.
(emily sniffling)
(door opening) (sighing)
(crickets chirping)
(sighing)
(laughing)
- hey, josh.
To what do I owe?
- I was hoping we could talk.
Emily... Gave me a key.
- She's not here?
- No.
- You've been
talkin' to my wife?
- I've been talkin' to gwen.
- So what are we
talkin' about? (chuckling)
- Well... Gary...
...We're talkin'
about your marriage.
- Are we?
- I think we should.
- Uh... And what
about my marriage...
Uh, concerns you?
- Your infidelity.
And quite frankly,
gary, I'm a little bit hurt...
That you didn't come
to me about this.
- I didn't go to anybody
about this, josh.
It's... It's my business.
- Well, I think it's also
the church's business.
(chuckling)
Gary, you are the
head of your household.
And that comes
with responsibilities.
- Uh, listen, josh.
I don't think, uh...
...What happens in my household
is anything for you or gwen...
To concern yourselves with.
- I'm sorry you feel that way.
But I disagree.
Gwen was very... Firm.
Whatever happened...
...Happened.
Reconcile with your wife.
- Thanks for
coming by, josh. I'll...
I'll give it some thought.
- I'm pleased to hear it.
But why don't you give it
some thought right now.
We can pray on it together.
Adultery is a pretty big sin.
And we can't have
that in the church.
- Some other time.
(chuckling)
- Fair enough.
You know what I'll do?
I'll just come back.
(gwen): This church
is only gonna live on
Through our children.
And we're not supposed
to be our children's friends.
We're supposed
to be their parents.
And sometimes...
That means discipline.
And we are doing
our children no favours
By sparing the rod.
(crowd murmuring) am I right?
(crowd murmuring)
You want proof that it works?
Well, I just happen to
have the proof right here.
I know two young people...
Well... They're not
that young anymore,
But they'll always be my babies,
Even though they've
got babies of their own.
Michael, elizabeth, come on up!
(laughing) (applause)
Come on.
Well, I can't think of
any better example...
Of the promise of america's
youth than these two fine people.
And they were good
kids. They were.
You know. But every
now and again...
(laughter) you know.
Hope I wasn't too hard on y'all.
- Well, when we had it
comin', we had it comin'.
- Hmm. (laughter)
Well, I've asked michael
to play for you a song
That he has written
about this very thing.
Would you? (michael): Yeah.
This is a song called
honor thy father...
...And mother. (laughter)
- Thank you.
(applause)
honor thy father young one
make your mom proud
there's a million
people you can be...
- Jesus said, "a good
tree cannot bear bad fruit."
And you can know
this church by its fruit.
- Our prayer is that
you would unite with us
In giving everything
we got to god.
We good?
- What's with you today?
- Nothing.
I'm just tired of doing
these promo things.
- Oh, well, honey,
they are critical,
And you are such a natural.
Come on now.
- I just wish I had more
time to work on my music,
That's all, instead of always
being pulled away for church stuff.
- Church stuff?
Maybe have a little more
respect for what we are doing here.
- Look, you can't say that I haven't
devoted my time to the church, mom.
I have. You know that.
I'm just sayin' that...
I think the things I wanna
do deserve a little respect too.
- If you want more
time for your music,
That's fine, but the church has
Its own recording studio;
you can make music there.
- Yes, the church has its
thumb in everything, doesn't it?
- Just don't start.
- Am I wrong?
- Dad...
- Will somebody please tell me
what this all is about anymore?
All this self-promotion,
all this recruitment.
What god are we selling here?
- Oh, come on, dad.
- With the son and the
holy spirit out of the way,
Just who do you put next
in line after god? You?
- Oh, it's all comin'
out now, isn't it?
- Maybe that emptiness
you used to feel
Was for something
completely different.
- Oh, right.
Because I wanna
be god. (laughing)
- Whatever it is,
It's just become
too much for me.
I've been holding my
tongue about this for too long.
I'm done with
it, with all of it!
- Oh, really?
Well, maybe that's
all for the best.
I mean, you've always been a
good 30 pounds off-message.
I don't need that from
my husband. Right?
(sighing) - well,
that's interestin'.
I wonder what it is you
do want in a husband.
- Look. We completely booked it.
It's the second one
that I'm worried about.
- Okay.
Oh.
Who's the new handyman, hmm?
- I-I dunno. I think
josh hired him.
- Well, he seems qualified.
- Oh. (laughing)
Well, I see.
Yes, that is, uh...
That is quality.
(laughing)
- Uh-huh.
Well, that looks
like thirsty work.
- That's... Very nice of
you, ma'am. Thank you.
- Oh, please, call me gwen.
What's your name?
- Joe.
Joe lara.
- Well, you do not
sound like a southern boy.
(chuckling)
- Yeah... You got me.
Yeah, so turns out, as an actor,
I make a pretty good handyman.
(laughing)
- Oh, I bet you were great.
I bet you just
filled the screen.
- Well, as long I filled
in the loincloth, right?
- You know what I mean!
You got presence, joe.
- Well, thank you, gwen.
- Mm.
- I have to say you
have presence, too.
I'm surprised you never
gave hollywood a try.
- Oh.
- God knows you're
able to draw an audience.
You certainly got the
looks for it anyway.
So... This house. Wow.
Somethin' else. It's
like my dream home.
- Took one look at it and just
fell in love. What can I say?
- Yeah, I bet.
Would, uh, would I
be rude in asking you...
...How many bedrooms you got?
- Well, I can give you a tour.
- I'd like that.
- Well, just follow me, please.
(birdsong)
- Gwen?
- Oh, in here.
- Hey.
- What do you think of this?
- Uh... Listen.
I'm hearin' everywhere that you
and david are getting a divorce.
- Oh...
Why do people feel
the need to gossip?
Tighten the reins on
your tongues, people.
It's right there in
the book of james.
(emily chuckling)
- well, is-is it true?
(gwen sighing)
- It's...
(sighing) it is
the saddest thing.
I never saw myself as someone
who would ever be divorced.
- Right.
Because god forbids it.
- Well, sometimes it is
simply the only alternative.
(scoffing) - why
are you doing this?
Gwen, why are you
getting a divorce?
- Emily, david
and I have been...
Growing apart for
quite some time.
I mean, don't tell me
you haven't noticed.
He's just not the
david I once knew.
- Oh... (scoffing)
I have to tell you, gwen,
I'm a little bit upset by this.
- I've prayed over this.
I have spoken to god.
It is the best thing.
David has already moved out.
- Gwen, what is
going on with you?
- What do you mean?
- I just don't understand.
I mean, this whole thing
started as a weight-loss program,
And I-I don't even
know what it is anymore.
- Emily, I have to listen
to what god is telling me.
The weigh down was always
the pathway to the remnant.
I see that now, but god was
just revealing it to me gradually.
(joe speaking indistinctly)
Um, listen, emily. Do not worry.
Everything is gonna be okay.
- I'm sorry, honey. Didn't
realize you had company.
- Oh... You remember joe?
(soft music playing)
I had no idea you
were this good, joe.
- Well, I'm still working
on it in parts, so...
- Oh, no, I have goose bumps...
All over.
- I gotta be honest with you.
I-I kind of miss the limelight.
- Oh, yes.
- Hey, ma?
- Hey, michael.
- Oh, michael! Hi!
Wait. I have... Two
musical geniuses
Right in the same
room with me right now!
Did you hear joe's music?
Did you hear his song?
- Yeah, not really.
- What's the matter, sweetheart?
- Nothin'.
Just the music
business, you know?
Everybody's too afraid to try
anything new, pull the trigger on it.
- You just gotta
keep trying, honey.
- Probably none of my
business, but you know what--
- Damn right, pal.
- Oh, michael!
Michael, do not talk
like that. (chuckling)
- Seriously, mom? This guy?
- What?!
Excuse me, joe.
I'm so... I'm so sorry.
- It's okay.
- Can you just give us a minute?
What is going on?
- Everything sucks.
- Well, that is no reason
to take that out on joe.
Are you still having
trouble at home? Is that it?
- Yeah, that's it. That's it. You
know, that's exactly the problem.
You have no idea what's going on
with me or anyone else for that matter.
'cause you are so
caught up with that guy!
- Listen to me. I know what
is going on with everybody.
You think it's easy
for your sister?
You think elizabeth and brandon
aren't struggling? Well, they are.
But they plant their feet
and they get on with it.
It is called being an adult.
- Yeah, give me some
more marriage advice, mom.
- You have...
Every blessing god
could bestow on you.
You get your head
clear, michael.
(piano music)
- My darling gwen...
I never knew love this amazing
was possible on this earth.
I just want it to last
forever. I... Really do.
- Oh...
- So...
- Oh!
(laughter)
- So I'm asking you, would you do
this humble servant of god the honour...
Of becoming my wife.
- Oh.
(laughing)
Oh. Oh...
(man coughing)
Are you kidding me?!
You've gotta be kiddin' me.
Who did that?
- Sorry.
- Okay, you just ruined
the whole moment.
- Honey, it's alright. There's
gonna be music playing all over that.
It's gonna be fine.
- No, no, joe. It's not alright.
This has to be the
perfect moment.
You'd think I'd be able
to expect the camera crew
To not hack up a lung in the middle of
shooting, but now we have to start over.
We're starting all over again.
Let's go. Let's go. Come on.
- Okay.
- Am I the nutty one,
Or is it like watching
the titanic put to sea?
- What are you talkin' about?
Honestly, I've never
seen gwen more in love.
I mean, look at her.
He makes her
feel like a princess.
- Yeah, well, maybe that's
because gwen and joe are...
Both in love with joe.
(laughing)
- You're terrible. You're
such a wet blanket. Stop.
- I'm not the
only one sayin' it.
Word is that joe's got
a pattern for hooking up
With wealthy women so
he doesn't have to work.
- Oh, yeah? Word is?
What does that even mean?
- I ask questions.
(man coughing) (gwen):
Oh, for god's sakes!
This is great. Just
stand up straight.
Beautiful. Julie,
you're a vision.
Oh, what's the matter, tammy?
Did you get
someone else's dress?
- No, it's mine. It's
just maybe a little tight.
- I don't think the dress
is the problem, tammy.
You have put on a lot of weight.
- Only a few pounds.
- Oh!
Oh, my gosh, tammy.
- Come on. Gwen, I can lose it.
- In three days? I can't
have you up on the stage
Looking like 10
pounds of potatoes
Shoved in a three-pound sack.
- Gwen.
- No. I'm sorry.
You cannot be
part of my wedding.
And unless you can get it
together and get back on board,
You may as well just
leave the church too.
- Gwen, please
don't talk like that.
I've devoted
everything to the church.
I gave up everything!
- Including your trust in god.
We are settin' an
example, people!
(bells tolling)
(soft music)
Bet you weren't
expecting this, were you?
- No.
(funky music)
(exclaiming)
- You win. Ah!
(gwen laughing)
(groaning) ooh!
(laughing)
Take me, ape man.
(screaming)
(laughing)
(groaning)
(phone buzzing)
Hello?
- Why is god punishing me?
- What?
(woman crying over the phone)
What happened?
(sniffling) I know, I know.
- Why does god let a
baby die in its sleep?
- Oh... I don't know.
- I mean, he was
only five months old.
- Mm, I don't know,
sweetheart, but...
It's gonna hurt you
real bad for a long time.
But listen to me.
And this is important.
You can cry your eyes
out here at home with me,
But you cannot show these
kinds of emotions in public.
- It just hits me in a
wave. I can't control it.
- Oh, but you have to.
We can't let anybody think
That this was a
punishment from god,
'cause it might harm the church.
- The church?
- If people think that god
Is trying to punish
us, they might think
We've been doing
something wrong.
- Why is god punishing me?
- He hasn't told me.
I've prayed to him.
It has been a few months
since you gave birth.
You haven't lost
the baby weight.
Here, just put on some lipstick.
- You've no idea how
long I've wanted to be
In the controls of
one of these babies.
- So how many hours
you got in the air?
- Sadly, none in these.
But I got my private
pilot's on single engines.
And I got my vfr certs. So...
- Well, props and jets,
And getting certified
and rated for instruments?
Two totally different animals.
- Well, I have no
doubt he can handle it.
- Okay, well, just so
there's no surprises,
You're probably gonna have
to cram way more flight hours,
And you're probably gonna have
to pony up some serious ka-ching
In order to get
certified on this bird.
- Well, I don't think
that's gonna be a problem.
- You like it, hon?
- I'll give you one guess.
- Well, I think you just
sold yourself a plane.
(laughing and screaming)
- You know, if you put it in god's
hands, you might be surprised.
- And why are you
assuming I haven't?
I've prayed about it, I've thought
about it, I've talked about it,
But I just... I can't stay
with the church anymore.
- I've spoken to
your husband and...
He tells me he's determined
to stay with remnant.
- Yeah, well,
he's free to do so,
But I'm leaving and
I'm taking my son.
- Sit with me for a minute.
I've spoken to gwen about this.
- Gwen doesn't
get a say in this.
- I understand.
Nevertheless, she
has implored me
To see if I can't get
you to change your mind.
- David...
Gwen is the reason
why I'm leaving.
I mean, this whole thing's
Starting to feel
like mind control.
- Well, that implies
some ugly things.
- I am implying
some ugly things.
- Your husband's had a
heart-to-heart with gwen.
He don't want to lose his
son. Said he'd sue for custody.
- Then I better get
myself a lawyer.
- Lawyers can be expensive.
Well, not for gwen. (chuckling)
There are plenty of
lawyers within the church
Who'd be more than happy
to work for her pro bono.
- Good for gwen.
- Yeah.
She's already told your husband
That he can count on her
lawyers to help him keep his son.
Hey, I'm telling you
this as a friend, adrienne.
Maybe the wiser thing to
do is to... Rethink things.
- One of the things
I most remember
About growing up with my mother
Is how every night,
to help us go to sleep,
She would sing,
"take their life, o father,
And mould it in
obedience to thy will."
(all murmuring in agreement)
From this obedience
comes salvation
And all of god's rewards.
(all murmuring in agreement)
- But does anybody
know who you are?
(joe): Uh, sure. (chuckling)
Gwen here's the author
of the weigh down diet,
Which I'm sure you've heard of.
- Not really.
- It's a huge success. Huge.
Ain't that right, honey?
It sold over a million copies.
- When?
- It was first
published in 1997,
And it has been
in print ever since.
- So... 20 years ago.
- Mm-hmm.
- And still in print.
- Mm-hmm.
- So the show's about a diet?
- Well, no. This show
is about... About us.
- Um, dieting?
- Well, not...
Not just all about dieting,
But mostly it's about
our marriage and, uh...
Yeah, and our... Our thoughts.
- Your thoughts on what?
- Well, I'm also the founder of the
remnant fellowship church in tennessee.
- Oh, okay. Well...
That's interesting.
- Mm-hmm.
- I like the idea
Of a woman starting a church.
- Yeah, well... The
show isn't about that.
The show focuses really
on me... And, uh... And gwen.
- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah.
- Alright. And, uh...
Your thoughts.
- That's right.
Our daily lives. (laughing)
- Okay, sorry,
honey, I-- - what?
(mumbling) - hold
on a second, honey.
See, you gotta
forgive my wife here,
She doesn't come from
a, uh, showbiz background.
But... I do.
- Joe once played tarzan.
- Yeah, well, among... Among other
things, honey. Among other things.
- Mm-hmm.
- Oh, can he sing.
- Yeah. And--
- like an angel.
- Yeah.
I play guitar.
- I love the scale and
the scale loves me.
Your turn, baby.
- I don't have to
weigh myself, honey.
- Sure you do. We all
have to keep track, honey.
- I don't.
- Are you still upset
about the show?
- Yeah, I am.
They're all the same,
every single one of them.
Least creative people in the world
making all the damn decisions.
It's just not right.
- Can't you just step
On the scale just for me?
- Honey, do I look like
I need to weigh myself?
- Well, it would just be
something you would do for me.
- Babe, I weigh what I weigh.
We're just gonna have to shop
it around until we find somebody
Who doesn't have their head
stuck up their ass, that's all.
- Well...
I was just thinkin', I produce
my videos without hollywood,
Maybe we just do the
same... With our show.
- You know what,
honey? That's a great idea.
That's a great idea.
We got the money, right?
- We could always
sell that silly plane.
- Come on, it's not
gonna cost that much.
I mean, you can't
sell the plane.
(gwen laughing) -
well, of course, I can.
It's in my name.
But we'll figure it out.
(gwen sighing)
I just always feel
better about myself
When I've stepped on the scale.
But I'm not going to
pressure you anymore.
(clicking tongue)
- let's see here.
Hi. I'm joe.
And... I'm sitting here
beside my beautiful wife gwen.
So... How many views?
- Hmm. Well, that's
90 grand up in smoke.
- That's 178 views.
That's not a bad start.
- Well, it's been up
for... Three weeks!
(clattering) -
baby, take it easy.
- I cannot fail, joe.
- We'll just adjust
the format, that's all.
- No, you don't get it. People
have certain expectations of me.
They rely on me to succeed.
- Honey, no one's gonna
think the worst of you.
- It's not about the show!
It's about me falling short.
And if I can fall
short with that,
Then I can fall short at
things that are important
To people in the church,
and then people start talkin',
And next thing you know, I
don't have any control at all.
- What do you mean by control?
- I don't want to
lose their respect.
- Gwen, honey...
- What?
- That's one thing...
You'll never lose.
- Oh.
- You know what, baby?
- Mm-mm.
- You're my everything.
(soft music)
- I like it.
- Who likes it?
- Oh.
Don't let me stop you, josh.
I heard you
playing, so I came in.
- I dunno if I'd
call that playin'.
Michael is the musical
talent in this church.
- Not the only one, apparently.
- How are things going with you?
- Things are going great.
- Good.
- Can I confess...
Something to you?
Lately, I've been thinking
less about my husband,
Because... Well, I've
been thinking about you.
- Me?
- I know, I know, I shouldn't.
It's just...
I dunno, you've got this thing
About you that I just
can't stop thinking about.
- Adrienne, your marriage
can't be in trouble because of me.
- No.
- And I mean...
I'm married.
- Well...
I don't see her here.
that's what she does
she spins me right around
you are my angel
- Boy! Your whole
family's musical.
(laughing) - oh,
well, hi, adrienne.
I'm surprised to see you.
Can I assume this means that
you've decided not to leave?
- Oh, no, I'm
definitely leaving.
- Well, that's a disappointment.
- And I'm taking my son with me.
- Joe, can you give
us a moment, please?
- Alright, honey.
- I know your
financial situation,
And if you leave your
husband, it would be...
Oh... What's the word?
More desperate, I guess?
- Gwen...
This whole thing...
Remnant, the exodus
group, your blind followers...
Did you set out to
start a religious cult,
Or... Do you even know
what you've created?
- Hmm.
I'm doin' god's work, not mine.
And if you can't see
that, that's your blindness.
But if I ever hear you've used
the word "cult" outside this room,
I will teach you what the
word "slander" means.
- You can't threaten me, gwen.
Not anymore.
(panting)
Turns out, your right-hand
man josh is a sinner.
Just like the rest of us.
(chuckling)
- well...
If that video goes public,
It will not make you look
like a very good mother.
- Doesn't look good for the
church, though, either, does it?
I mean, what are your followers
gonna think of your judgment
Picking a man like
that to lead 'em?
Yeah, I mean...
What are they gonna think about
anything that you have to say?
I'm leaving the church.
I'm taking my son.
And you're not gonna
do a damn thing about it.
- If she wants to leave
the church, then just let her.
- She's taking her son!
And she used a member of
the remnant family to get at me.
- I really don't think
that josh is in any hurry
To talk about what they
did together anyway, so...
- That is not my point!
Remnant cannot
lose any of its children!
Did you forget that I
also lost a grandson?
You can't just swing in
on a vine and fix this, joe.
- I'm sorry, honey.
- The future of this church,
Everything I've built,
depends on the children.
- I know.
I know.
I know.
(woman): I'm just
at the end of my rope.
- Well, you can't abide
a disobedient child.
- Of course not.
But we've tried everything
And we just can't seem
to get him to behave.
I'm coming to you
on my knees, gwen.
If anyone knows how to
raise good kids, it's you.
- Well, you say you've tried
everything. What have you been doin'?
- We did exactly
what josh told us to do:
Take everything out of his room.
We got everything out of there
And locked him in there from
that Friday until the Monday,
And only left him in
the room with his bible.
- And that didn't
change his behaviour?
- Not even a little bit.
My husband has spanked
him till his hand is sore,
And he just isn't learning.
- Well, he's gonna have to.
We can't spoil these kids.
- That's why I called you, gwen.
(sighing)
- Here's what I
think you should do.
We don't instruct our
people to lock their children
In trunks and smother them, if
that's what you say happened.
- Of course not.
However, you have
instructed your... Followers
On disciplinary methods.
- We believe children should
be obedient to their parents.
Straight out of the bible.
You can look it
up if you care to.
- Well, I'd like to play for
you something I did look up.
We were surprised in
executing our search warrant
To discover you record
every conversation
In and out of the church.
But I can't say it
hasn't been a goldmine.
(gwen): Here's what
I think you should do.
You're gonna go out and
buy some of those glue sticks.
You know, hot glue sticks?
The ones about a foot long.
(sonya): Okay...
(gwen): And what
you do is you whip 'em
On the back of his bare legs...
That is... That
tape has been, uh...
Made or tampered
with or something.
- If anyone tampered with
this tape, gwen, it's you.
We got this from
your saved recordings.
- And you can play it in
any order that you want
To make whatever point you want.
- Okay.
Well... How about this?
(sonya): We did exactly
what josh told us to do:
Take everything out of his room.
We got everything out of
there and locked him in there
From that Friday
until the Monday,
And only left him in
the room with his bible.
- I didn't hear me
Instructing her to do
anything in that clip.
Did you?
- Not directly, no.
But you were
certainly condoning it.
- Nowhere did I instruct her
To lock her child
in a trunk. Correct?
Well, then, detective,
I'm confused.
I really don't know what
we are achieving here.
So I just want to assure you
That we're gonna
get y'all out of here.
The church is gonna cover
all your legal expenses.
- Oh, bless you, gwen.
- And I know that what happened
was just a terrible accident.
- That's what it was.
- Okay, now. Listen
to me, though.
I need to know...
Why you told the authorities
You were following
my instructions
When you were
disciplining josef jr.
- We were following
your instructions, gwen.
- Strict discipline
creates obedient kids.
It saves their souls. I mean...
You do preach that.
- You misinterpreted.
Institutions like the remnant
can collapse when attacked
By ignorant claims.
And if the church
is no longer there,
It cannot help
you get out of here.
So we're not gonna say anymore
That the punishment
that you utilized
Came from the church in any way.
Are we?
(crying)
(mumbling)
God.
Please tell me
what is your will...
(indistinct whispering)
(chuckling) oh, thank you, god.
I will no longer fear...
Or doubt you.
I will... Always follow you.
- Mom?
- Mm-hmm.
Hi, michael. Come
on in, sweetheart.
- Um...
There's, uh, something that
I... I've been meaning to tell you,
And, um...
You're not gonna like it.
Um...
My marriage... Isn't working.
And...
It hasn't been for a long time.
So... I'm getting a divorce.
Don't try to stop me.
- Honey... If that's
what you feel,
You have to do it. I understand.
I do.
- Uh... What?
- It's your marriage.
It's your life.
- You're not worried
that it's gonna
Sully your reputation?
- Honey, people are gonna
think whatever they're gonna think.
- Alright... Wh-what's
going on, mom?
Where's the lady
with the iron fist?
The one who wants to control
everything and everybody?
- Well, you are free
to think that about me,
Sweetheart, but I always
just wanted to do god's will.
And god has assured me...
That I'm doing exactly that.
- Right. Because
you're a prophet.
- Well... I've been
called far worse.
(chuckling) we have survived.
(crowd cheering)
Mm-hmm.
Do you hear me?
We... Have... Survived!
(wild cheering)
But still, satan
never... Gives up.
Because we have to
strengthen the remnant nation.
Jesus has told us
that we do not need
To accumulate
possessions or wealth,
Because that is how
we keep this place pure.
We cannot be... Half-hearted.
We cannot be... Lukewarm.
Lest god spew us
out of his mouth!
(wild cheering)
(indistinct chatter)
Oh! Um, hi. Would you
put these in the car for me?
- Sure, honey.
- Well, hello, emily.
- Hi, gwen.
- Oh, we were just in town
picking up some things for joe.
We're going down to florida.
We're all flying
down for a rally,
Doing some networking.
- Oh, that sounds great.
- Mm.
- I suppose you haven't
forgiven me for abandoning you.
- Oh, emily.
My forgiveness is insignificant.
It is god's forgiveness
you should seek.
(emily chuckling)
- Yes, well, I suppose
all of us should be seeking
God's forgiveness.
Isn't that right?
Oh, you know, I found an
old photo of us the other day.
Can I show it to you?
- Oh, please.
- Mm.
- Oh!
Those were fun days.
- Yes. You know, I
really loved that gwen.
- Hmm.
- Sometimes I wonder
If there's anything
left of her in there,
If this gwen has
destroyed her completely.
- Well, I am so happy
I ran into you, emily.
I'll pray for you.
- Yeah, you take
care of yourself, gwen.
- Y'all don't have
to worry about me.
God takes care
of me. (chuckling)
I survive everything
by his grace.
(soft vocal music)
for far too long
I've walked head down...
(gwen): It is only
through god himself,
Directly, that you...
Can conquer sin.
But I have always had...
A very special
connection with god.
- Alright. Hello, hello, hello.
This is your pilot
speaking. Good morning.
I want you all to relax,
because you are in good hands.
(laughing)
- oh, joe.
I've put myself in god's
hands from the very beginning
And I've seen
miraculous results.
I've gotta believe I'm
doin' somethin' right.
- Alright, you
ready for takeoff?
- Take us up into
the heavens, joe.
- You got it, honey.
you've seen me walking
you've seen me
walking on water
raise my head high
nothing to lose
make my way out
(gwen): If it makes them
feel better chanting my name,
It's okay.
Because all I hear
is... Glory to god.
(banging)
(alarm sounding)
(bell tolling)
(elizabeth): Glory... To... God.
(all): Amen.
- I do know that the
question is out there.
Do we give up?
But I know a little something
That the enemies
of god don't know.
And that is that I never
stuck with my mother
In starting this church
for the praise of man.
What man thinks doesn't matter.
It never has.
So I'm not about to start caring
What man thinks now.
The church... Will... Go on.
(alarm beeping)
- No!
- Amen.