Original subtitles

Good morning, everyone!

- Good morning. - Morning.

I'd like to welcome you all hereon this glorious day.

We've all come together one and all

to give praise to our lord Jesus.

Amen.

Amen.

Before I get started with today's message,

i'd, I'd like to tell you all a little story.

A few years ago I was traveling

with a very close friend of mine, a fellow pastor.

We were driving to a church conference

and we had been in the car for quite a few hours

chatting about this and that, old times,

and in general, passing the time

as the road and telephone Poles passed us by.

But then the topic changed, I mean, hey,

you can't have two pastorsin a car for that length of time

without the topic turning to our lord.

The conversation turned to a discussion of reverence,

specifically reverence of our lord

and reverence of his holy name.

And out of that sprung a storymy friend the pastor told me...

About a troubled young man,

a boy really, 16 or 17 years old.

A boy that had been moved from foster home to foster home.

He didn't have a sense of place.

Different house, different family, different faces.

A boy who, through circumstance, had been left on his own,

all alone, to fend for himself in this world.

He just needed a chance.

He really just needed a fresh start.

He's a boy who merely needed someone to care.

These people, they're part of my church.

I feel responsible for them, as I do you.

I've read your file and spoken with you

and all I really know for sure is how tough your life's been.

But that's not who you are, son, in here.

You will decide that.

So tell me, what do you want out of life?

What do you mean?

What do you want out of life?

Say whatever comes to mind.

Okay.

Money, enough so I don't have to depend on anyone.

Oh, I got ya on that one.

Me too.

But that's the easy one.

Besides money.

You'd better speak up.

You ran out of options long ago.

Listen, son.

You see, I've got a whole group

of these old prayer warrior ladies.

They're in the other room knitting shawls.

Well, I'm thinking that they'd like nothing more

than to be asked to come in here

and pray over a troubled young man.

You wouldn't.

It'd make their week.

Maybe even their month.

Okay, I'd like to be accepted for me.

Not the poor kid who doesn't have a home.

I'm tired of people feeling pity for me.

I got it.

And I want to thank you for your honesty.

I mean, I can't help you with either of those two areas

other than to say that, well,

'blessed is the man who fears god,

who takes great delight in his commands.'

that would be psalm 112.

I think I'd rather listen to the prayer shawl ladies.

You taking him to the Lewis' tonight?

Yes, later this afternoon.

They're a nice family, son.

Go easy on them, okay?

Ooh, I can't wait to meet them, I'm sure they're just lovely.

Thank you for coming.

If you'll excuse me, I need to handle something.

You're going to talk to them, right, pastor?

I was just going to grab them.

Ladies, thank you for coming.

Tom, Whitney.

- Reverend. - Hello.

I just want to thank you both

for taking this young man into your home.

- Of course. - It's truly god's work.

I was wondering if I might beable to speak to you in private,

in my office perhaps, if you have a minute.

- Sure. - Of course.

Nate, we're going to speak with reverend fields

for a few minutes.

- We'll be right back. - I'm coming too.

It's okay.

Nate, why don't you scoot over here with us?

No. I'm okay right here.

Uh, Tom, Whitney, it was actually Nate

that requested the meeting.

He, uh... it's about the foster child.

He's not a child! He's a 17 year old.

Nate has some concerns with the placement.

Yes, and we've already spoken to him about it.

It's not that we're ignoring his concerns,

it's just that, um, we feel called to do this.

That, that's right.

We have discussed this.

Nate shouldn't have brought you into it.

I'm bringing him into thisbecause he brought this to you.

And surely we can all see this

as some sort of attempt to replace Jack.

Nate! Show some respect.

- What? He was my brother! - That's enough!

The decision's been made.

He's coming. That's final.

Okay.

Best we pray on this.

How 'bout we read from...

Nate.

I'll talk to him.

No, let me handle this.

That's cute, but not helpful.

Hey, we know that you're unhappy about this

but it is happening and it won't be fair too him

if we don't make him feel welcome.

Look, I'm sure he's going to be feeling nervous

and trying his hardest to fit in.

Hey, we love you and we love Jack

and nothing will ever change that, okay?

Now will you please make an effort and be nice?

Thanks, bud.

Push your hair back... And try to smile.

Yes, can I help you?

Uh... I'm looking for Mr. and Mrs. Lewis?

Oh, they live next door.

What's he done?

Oh, nothing, ma'am.

He's just a foster placement with the Lewis'.

Is he part of a gang?

No, ma'am.

I left them and i'm hoping to hide out here

so they don't find me.

He's got a good sense of humor.

We're sorry for the mistake, ma'am.

That's a good way to start looking for a new home.

Please try to make the most of this.

Hey.

Reverend fields worked reallyhard to get you this placement.

They're good people.

So I hear.

You sure this is the right placethis time?

Hi.

Hello, miss Swanson, and this must be Mason.

Please, come in.

- This is a beautiful home. - Oh, thank you.

Yeah, it's a great neighborhood.

Nate, they're here!

And there's lots of kids your age and lots to do, so.

Do I really have to be here for this?

Yes.

This is our son, Nate.

Hi, Nate! This is Mason.

And Mason, this is Nate and Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.

Nice to meet you, Mason.

- You too, chief. - Mason.

It's Mr. and Mrs. Lewis.

Yeah, that's what you said.

He really is trying hard to fit in here.

Oh, of course, I am.

It's been my dream to come and live

with your perfect little family.

I'm so sorry.

You know teenagers, and it's a rough transition.

I can speak with him if you'd like.

- Would you use a club? - Nate!

This is great...

We just have to get to knoweach other a little, that's all.

Come to see the newest attraction?

You're our first.

If they're all like you, I can'tsee us getting any more.

Well, zoo's closed.

We're not allowed to have our doors closed.

Yeah, well, I'm older. Different rules.

Jack was older too.

He followed the same rules.

Who's Jack?

My brother.

This is his room.

Where's he, besides keeping away from you?

He's in heaven now, and we got along just fine.

Yeah, well, I don't believe in heaven.

Well, where is he?

Did you tell him dinner was ready?

I told him, but his door is closed,

so who knows what he's doing in there.

Nate, we have to let him fit in, feel comfortable.

We have to earn his trust and respect

like he has to for us.

Mason, dinnertime.

Mason.

Even if you're not hungry, you gotta to let me know.

Mason! Open this door right now!

Nice call with the door.

That's it.

I know you can hear me in there, Mason.

Why did you have this door... locked.

- He's gone. - What?

Wait, what are we gonna do?

I'm going to go try to find him.

Shouldn't we call pastor fieldsor Swanson?

No, no, let me, let me try to find him first.

I don't want to make this into a bigger deal

than it already is.

Stay here in case he comes back or calls.

Thanks for stopping by.

Thank you.

Leave your bag on the counter, please.

What for?

Store policy.

Yeah, well, my policy is to keep it with me.

Okay.

Thanks for stopping by then.

You have no grounds to make me leave this bag.

This is discrimination.

I have teenagers coming in hereand stealing me blind.

If you're not one of them, congratulations.

But you still gotta to leave the bag.

I thought christians are supposed to be trusting.

'In god I trust, all others pay cash, '

and leave their bag up here.

You got to be kidding me.

- I'm about to call the cops. - For what?

For not following store rules.

Fine! Here.

Hmm.

Don't you want to check my pockets?

What is this for?

School project.

What, you want to tell me what to buy too?

Here's your change. You want a bag?

I got one.

Good evening. What's going on?

A male teenager bought spray paint from her,

then vandalized the store.

Um, what, uh, what did he look like?

Average build, maybe 17.

Curly dark hair, dark backpack, dark clothes.

This kid looked like he was going nowhere real fast.

Do you know something, sir?

Hey, he just got back.

I tried to talk to him but he went in his room.

I bet.

Just go easy on him.

We knew this was going to be challenging.

He vandalized a convenience store!

The police are there.

What?

Hey.

What's going on?

Where did you go?

What do you mean?

Mason, we're not stupid.

Okay, okay, I just needed some air, you know.

I borrowed a bike and rode it around, but I brought it back.

You can't just leave, especially through a window1

we want this to work, we want you here,

but you have to do your part.

We're responsible for you.

Hey, no one's responsible for me, but me.

Oh. Sounds tough, but that's not the case.

While you're in this house,

you'll respect us and the rulesof the house.

Or what? You'll kick me out?

Been there.

Mason, can't you see that we're trying to help?

I mean, we've welcomed you into our home.

We feel called to have you as part of this family.

A calling, huh?

Well, then it has to be right.

"To visit orphans and widows in their affliction,

and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

That's from James.

God doesn't care and neither do you.

You're doing this for you!

Don't worry about it, dad.

He doesn't believe in heaven.

Yeah, forget this.

I'll be in my room.

Get back here young man.

We still need to talk about the graffiti!

Tom, just, just give him a minute.

God, it's Nate, Jack's brother.

Please let him know

that I think about him all the time.

Lord, tell him that I miss him so bad.

God, why is it that good peoplelike Jack get taken away

and then the bad ones like Mason get to stay?

Well, maybe because only good people get to go to heaven?

Anyway, thank you, god.

Amen.

I tell you Agnes, there's something horrible going on

over at that home.

Hello, miss Swanson, please come in.

He's in here.

You got this? I'm gonna go deal with Nate.

Yeah, yeah.

Hello, Mason.

We need to have a little talk about the vandalism done

to the convenience store on pleasant Avenue last night.

Do you know anything about that?

No.

I was, I was here all last night, right?

It was Mr. Lewis who called me and reported you

as matching the description of the suspect.

Nice.

Guess you got a new calling?

The store owner has ID'ed you from a photograph.

She's going to press charges.

Your file is going to be reviewed

and a judge will decide the next steps.

Mr. Lewis, thank you for all of your help.

I'll just grab my bag. I'll be ready in five.

Ah, hold on. Stay right there.

Don't I have to go with her?

You're not out of here that easily, mister.

Nothing has changed between us.

You are still part of this family.

We're gonna solve this together.

Let me know when his court date is

and we'll make sure he is there.

Okay, and it should be in about two weeks.

Okay. Go ahead and finish your breakfast.

Miss Swanson, I'll walk you out.

Oh yeah, and by the way, your court-ordered group meetings

start after school tonight.

You're all signed up.

That's funny, Agnes.

I thought for sure

they'd be dragging that hoodlumoff in handcuffs.

If this is gonna work at all

we need to know where you're coming from.

For example, someone who believes is gonna have

an entirely different point of view

from someone who does not believe.

You with me?

Hello Lacey, glad you could join us.

You were saying?

Yeah, I don't believe.

Big surprise.

And you do?

Yeah, but not in some good guy in the sky.

More like a puppet master looking for laughs.

What, did you read that on some t-shirt?

You have a smart mouth...

Looks like the new guy'sgot a little bit of an attitude.

Relax, relax, relax.

We've all got problems with other people.

There's no one here to judge who's right and who's wrong.

We're just trying to figure outbetter ways

to deal with those problems.

Try to understand life a little better.

And hopefully, as we go, get over our prejudices.

Ruby, thank you for joining us.

I see you're familiar

with the newest member of our group, huh?

- Mom? - Mmm hmm.

I know what you're trying to do.

My friend Steve to me you're trying to cope

with the loss of Jack by replacing him with Mason.

Steve, the 14 year old on your baseball team?

Yeah.

Sounds like Steve needs to stopwatching daytime talk shows.

Honey listen, losing Jack is just part of this.

We really think that we can help Mason.

But that doesn't change how we feel about you.

You're our son.

Hey, what's going on?

Hey. We're just, you know, just doing dishes.

Well, he's at the group.

Hopefully Wallace can help.

I hope he doesn't graffiti the church.

- Nate. - What?

Look at his room.

He vandalized my store.

And I'm here because of her.

You're here because of you and your actions.

So why are you here? Your actions?

All right, that's enough. Everybody, please settle down.

Ruby, have a seat.

- Couldn't you have warned me? - I didn't know.

The court mandated he attend.

Did the juvie court send little Mason for some therapy?

How did you get here? Your mom send you?

Dee, sit down.

The new guy's got a mouth that needs closing.

Not in my meeting!

He has zero respect for anything. Good luck.

Blame your god.

Hey! That's it, this ends here.

Mason, Ruby, you wanna leave?

I will take it up with you afterwards

and we'll make other arrangements.

I'm not leaving.

Why should I leave?

Is it worth all this, dad?

Just because something's difficult

doesn't mean it isn't worth doing.

I miss him.

I do too, son.

So all comments are directed only at me

and only on the subject at hand, okay?

Okay, let's talk about rules.

Why do we have them?

To keep everyone in line.

Yeah. To keep people from acting like fools.

Well, you're both right.

Without some sort of rules, there'd be total chaos.

You couldn't play football.

Couldn't play baseball without rules.

And we even hire people to enforce those rules

like judges, referees, policemen.

And then they make up their own rules.

Mason.

Do you know what set of basic rules

many societies base their code of conduct on?

The prime directive?

No.

The ten commandments from the Bible.

We all know what the ten commandments are here, right?

God's laws.

Yes, a set of biblical lawsrelating to ethics and worship.

The word of god.

Mason, if there's one collectivekey to these laws or rules,

what would it would be?

Obedience?

Yeah, that's part of it.

But it's more about why

we should be obedient to these rules.

Love?

Pretty close, Lacey. Something like that.

It's respect.

Respect for god, respect for your parents,

respect for others and their property.

So that's why everything's so messed up.

Some guy living in a cave looking after sheep

two thousand years ago is goingto dictate how we live today.

So Mason, you don't feel that consideration

for others is important?

Why? Huh?

So we can honor parents who beat us?

Son, if someone has hurt you, I am sorry.

That is not right.

But just because something seems outdated

does not make it wrong.

Like we can't even say the word, "god".

C'mon.

Little kids sing 'sticks and stones may break my bones'

but the creator of the universecan't handle his name

being tossed around?

I told you.

Mason, once again, it's about respect.

It's about reverence.

And who gets this respect?

- You? - If I've earned it.

- Her? - If she's earned it.

The man in the moon?

If the man in the moon has earned it.

You think it should be you?

Why not him?

Because he doesn't deserve it.

And you do?

At least I'm not out vandalizing stuff!

You've never made a mistake?

Okay, guys, that's enough.

As we've proven to each other tonight,

respect for others is not always easy.

Nor do we always deserve it.

But just think, right here, right now,

if we do respect each other,

how different this conversationmight be?

It would probably be quieter.

Good girl.

Not what I was expecting from you.

You got some guts.

And you'd already made up your mind?

Pretty girl, nice clothes.

Thought you might be in here to hand out cookies.

Keep it up, Macy.

Next time I'll teach you about respect.

Hey, something going on?

I've gotta go.

See you next time?

You bringing cookies?

Making friends, that's great.

But you'd better steer clear of that one.

- Her dad is... - Tom.

May I, may I see you for a minute?

Just go wait by the car, two minutes.

Tom, it's greatwhat you guys are trying to do,

but this is gonna be tough.

This kid has attitude.

Oh, just discovering that.

I'm not sure he can stay in the group.

The court mandated it.

The court mandated a group.

It doesn't have to be this one.

And Ruby, the convenience storeowner, is also in this group.

- She comes by. - Oh?

Yeah, a few years ago for assault.

She did her time, but she likes coming here

and it's hard to ask her not to stay, you know.

But not for Mason?

I'm just trying to do what's best for the group, Tom.

And it's probably tough on him to see her here,

you know what I mean?

I'll, I'll have a talk with him.

- Thanks, Tom. - Yeah.

Guess he didn't say I was his star pupil?

He, uh, he doesn't want you in the group.

Tough. The court put me there.

Yes, but he runs the group,

and if he asks the court to transfer you,

that'll, that'll probably happen.

Typical.

Why are you fighting everyone?

Whitney and I are trying to help

and you're treating us like enemies.

Everyone does stuff for their reasons.

So you're okay with being transferred?

No. I want to stay here.

Really?

Why?

Like I said, everyone does stuff for their reasons.

Almost done, dad?

Just about.

I'm on the last day of this week's schedule.

Good, 'cause I'm hungry.

How about pizza?

Works for me.

Loving father, I need your help.

I don't know how I'm gonna pay all this.

I'm really struggling.

Where's Mason?

I tried.

I don't want to push too hard, he'll just do the opposite.

Dad, I've got it.

- Are you sure? - Yeah, absolutely.

Oh, thank you so much, honey.

I've got to run.

Okay.

Your breakfast is on the table.

You have ten minutes to eat and get ready.

I'm not gonna to be late because of you.

Come on, let's go!

You made me breakfast?

Dad, we need to go.

Dad, where are you going?

- Let me go get Mason. - Dad...

What's all the commotion about?

Oh. Well, good morning.

Let's go.

Hey, lace.

How was school?

Fine.

That didn't sound so good.

Just some of the kids are being mean.

Well, what are they doing?

Patti's ignoring me.

Grace won't eat with me anymore.

Did you do something?

No!

Why would you ask that?

Why is it always my fault?

Sweetheart, I'm just asking.

Listen, I don't know.

I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on.

You're right, you don't know.

I'll wait in the car.

Lace?

You don't think that'd be hard?

New school, no friends?

And you think mouthing off to your teachers

makes it any easier?

I give what I get.

But they're your teachers.

Show some respect.

Why should I?

You might get what you give.

Go along with things.

Make it a little easier on them, they'll make it easier on you.

So be a phony?

No, no.

Just show a little respect.

Hey dude, just be smart.

Play the system.

Schemers and phonies, great role models.

Dinner's in two hours, guys.

Stupid window.

Go away.

I have a favor to ask.

Okay, fine.

What do you want?

Let me paint your room.

You're joking, right?

Does it look like I'm joking?

Okay.

Don't expect me to return the favor though.

Don't worry, it's not for you.

This about Jack?

Okay, go ahead.

Have we made a mistake?

I was never sure about it, but we can't back out now.

You said you felt called, right?

Yeah. Felt it.

Fields said the same thing.

Well, then we have to honor that.

It's just been so hard on Nate.

I don't know if those two will ever get along.

You're really good at painting.

Yeah, foster families need a lot of manual labor.

What's that like, living with different families?

Oh, well, some good, some bad.

I've have friends who've had great families.

But not you?

I didn't say that.

I'm just saying that sometimes it's hard.

I know how you feel.

You know, it's not easy on me.

Why's that?

Because I have this new foster brother

who's just messing up everything.

Yeah, that sounds tough.

Real jerk, huh?

He has his moments.

You know, no one's ever called me brother before.

Nate! Mason! Time for dinner.

Just put a plastic bag over itand I'll put it in the freezer.

It'll thaw after dinner and we can continue.

Thanks.

You couldn't have just called her Mrs. Tucker?

Mom and dad are going to freak.

Her first name is Ann.

Yeah, but she's a teacher.

Teachers are called Mr. and Mrs. and miss.

They only do that to keep us in our place.

Yeah.

You're really bad with names, did you know that?

It's what first defines us.

People can use names to put you down or categorize you.

But the teachers want respect also.

Make them earn it. Come on.

So do you know Lacey at all?

Lacey fields? The preacher's kid?

Preacher's kid, can't be.

She's in that group with me.

Yup, that's the one.

Her dad's the pastor at our church

so I see her there all the time.

She's pretty.

So you do look at more than just books.

Oh, ha ha.

Do you like her?

I heard she got put in that group

for bullying people on the Internet.

Really?

Ha! Got you, I win.

That's not fair.

Can I hope this is about Nate?

Here are the issues:

The group leader doesn't want you there anymore.

The principal says you're out of chances.

There won't be anymore.

Next step is suspension or expulsion.

And then there's the vandalism charges.

All of these in just three days.

Well, isn't there some sort of a grace period?

I mean, I think that we're doing better now.

Something's got to change.

That group is a mandatory thing.

If he doesn't attend it, he gets sent to juvie.

And if he's not in school, he gets sent to juvie.

And if those charges aren't mitigated in some way,

he goes to juvie.

Anything to say, Mason?

Looks like I'm heading to juvie.

Really? That's what you want to do, just give up, move on?

You tell me.

Could you excuse us, Mason, for a minute?

I need to speak to Mr. and Mrs. Lewis alone.

Can I borrow something?

Yeah, sure, what do you need?

Your window.

I think it's best and safest for everyone

if Mason's just handed over to juvenile detention.

He's been headed that way for a long time.

We've... but we've only had him a few days.

This isn't your problem.

The kid was messed up when he got here.

Don't let it become more than you can handle.

Just let us think about it.

There's another group session tonight.

Maybe he should just go to that

and we'll, we'll see how it goes.

Okay.

I'll be around if anyone needs me.

Where are your chaperones?

I'm going to be sent to juvie unless you drop those charges.

You shouldn't be here.

We shouldn't be talking like this.

I don't deserve this.

Oh, did somebody else paint 'blame god' on my store?

You antagonized me. I'm just trying to get by.

You're not the only one that has it rough.

I'm sorry about that, but you have to take responsibility

for your own actions.

Yeah, I get it.

No one cares about anything but their own stuff.

Not christians, not god.

Hey, show some respect.

If you're so worried about what he thinks,

why aren't you helping me?

Maybe I am by not letting you get away with this.

Or maybe if you actually saidyou were sorry for what you did,

it would make a difference.

Not likely.

Mason, open up!

Mace, come on. We need to talk.

Mason!

I'd leave him alone. He was pretty mad.

That's why we need to talk.

Dad, mom, he just needs a break.

Honey, he's not happy here.

You know, we shouldn't force him to stay.

Well, if Jack was in trouble, would you send him away?

This is different, Nate.

If you say so.

Maybe we should just see what happens tonight.

You think he should go back to the group?

Well, yeah.

I mean, he is supposed to be there.

You know, why should he have to leave

just because of other people in the group?

You know, why not them?

You weren't so sure about him before.

Yeah, I know, but he's got a point.

Yeah.

Mason's not Jack.

No, but he is supposed to be part of this family.

This is something we took on and I just...

I just feel like we need to see it through.

I love you.

I love you too.

Well, we should probably get dinner going.

Oh yeah, okay, I'll go get it ready.

Okay, I'll see if I can get him out of his room.

Mason!

Shhhh! Shhh, shhh!

My dad's knocking on your door!

Mace?

C'mon, open the door.

We need to talk about this.

It's "Mason".

Hold, hold on.

Mace, open up! We need to talk.

Let me do it.

He needs to follow the rules of the house.

Well, maybe if we give him a little respect, he would.

Like, he likes 'Mason' not 'mace," dad.

All right.

Oh, Mason, time for dinner.

Thank you.

That's what little brothers are for.

Thanks, Nate.

I'll wash my hands and be right out.

Lacey, sweetheart.

What're you doing?

Just texting with Lori.

My homework's basically done.

I'm not worried about your homework.

I am worried about you.

I'm fine.

You're not supposed to be texting, twitting, facing,

any of that stuff.

It's not like that, dad.

Okay.

So what are you talking about?

Just girl stuff.

Friends, school, boys... Homework.

But that's exactly what got youinto trouble last time.

It wasn't my fault!

Why can't you trust me?

There's trust and then there's being blind.

Did you saying anything about anyone else?

Dad! Everyone does it!

Would anyone be upset with what you've said?

This isn't fair!

They're saying all this stuff about me

and I can't post back?

You should see what they're calling me!

Listen, if you just ignore it they'll lose interest.

I'm not five years old!

I hate them and I hate that I'm the only one in trouble

and I have that I have to go to that stupid group!

We can change groups?

That's not the point!

I shouldn't even be in a group!

Look, you just need to get through this, okay?

You do your best.

You learn everything you can from it.

I know that you're a good girl, really.

And I know that you don't belong in group.

Hey, lace, I love you.

I always will.

We're here to support you.

I'll back you to stay here, but you have to try too.

What about what Swanson said?

She said that we have to find a way to make it work.

Let's find a way.

All the legal parking is on the east side of the...

Excuse me just a minute.

Ah, come here a minute.

What're you doing?

Dropping Mason off.

He's disruptive. He was told not to come.

No, no, it was suggested that he not come.

There's a court order that saysthat he has to attend a group.

All right, man, we can always find another group.

And if this is a support group for 'people on the edge.'

and doesn't being disruptivekind of come with the territory?

Man, okay.

I'm gonna have to call Swanson.

Awkward.

Your old man fight all your battles?

Why don't you find out?

Why don't you teach this guy a lesson?

Stop!

Or both of you will get kicked out.

Nobody wants you here.

Even she wants you gone.

Hey, leave me out of it!

Bet there wouldn't be many here who'd vote

to keep you around either.

And you're probably not even in this group.

Your mom just uses it as an excuse to send you away.

Wow, now he's talking about your mom.

Leave my mom out of it.

Ahh. Sore spot.

She have other groups for you on other nights?

Slow learner's club?

Mouth breathers night?

Time you learned some respect.

Stop!

Stop it!

Okay, knock it off.

No, no!

Hey, hey, hey!

Enough, enough!

Mason!

Heya, bud.

I just wanted to say 'thanks'.

What for?

For making an effort with Mason and for working hard

through all of this.

And for painting the room!

He helped too.

A lot actually.

Has to be a good sign, right?

Lacey, what happened?

Well, Dee was mouthing off to Mason.

Oh c'mon! He was asking for it.

Let her speak!

- What're you afraid of? - Not you that's for sure!

Hey, hey, guys! Knock it off!

Okay, Mason!

Not another word, you guys!

Frightened of something Dee-Dee!

Keep it up smart mouth!

Hey!

Could you guys please sit down?

Sit down.

All your groups like this?

He's got to go. It's not working.

Hold, hold on, hold on.

It doesn't sound like it was his fault.

It doesn't really matter.

Mr. Lewis, you can make the decisions at home,

here Mr. Wallace runs the group.

Well, what's he supposed to do?

We'll find him another group.

And another group, or school or family.

They'll decide I'm not worth it.

I'm the easy target so blame it on me.

Why not?

Unfortunately with the charges against you

there's not much we can do.

C'mon.

Hold on.

What if I dropped the charges?

What?

What if I dropped the charges?

It's nice that you're feeling sorry for him,

but I don't think it's to his benefit.

I'm not feeling sorry for him.

I just want a solution that benefits everyone.

Like?

He works for me after school and Saturdays, free of charge.

For... two months.

Can she do this?

She can drop the charges. Sure.

Then she request restitution.

Knowing the judge, she'll probably go for it.

Keeps him out of the system andabides by the victim's wishes.

What about the group?

He'd have attend it, or something like it.

It's been mandated by the court.

Well he's not doing it here.

You saw what went down. Not gonna happen.

If he's not doing the group, I'm not either.

I'm not mandated to be here by any court.

Me too.

You have to come here.

My dad wants me to switch.

What about you?

If you're now willing to do this, none of this matters.

Fine.

Fine isn't gonna cut it.

You have to listen to me and do what I say.

That goes in here too.

You need to listen to Wallace.

Do you still have my back?

I do.

Part of that is pointing you in the right direction.

This is it.

Ah c'mon! He's not worth it.

He ain't going to do it.

I'm sorry about my behavior, Wallace.

I'd like to stay.

I'll do what she says.

Okay Mason.

Welcome to the group.

We'll try to make a fresh start of this, huh?

Hey, thanks for your help.

Do you really think this is going to work?

It's all going to depend on him.

He has zero chances left and no other options.

And that Ruby lady sounds tough.

I wouldn't want her to be my boss.

No, I wouldn't either.

Alright.

Let's get back to the commandments.

We were talking about how they all deal with respect, right?

Clearly we can see from tonight's altercations

that when there's no respect, there's no peace.

If you respect someone, you don't steal from them,

or lie to them, etc.

And if you respect god, you don't worship another one,

you don't take his name in vain,

and you don't work on his day of rest.

Mason, can you disagree?

Your interpretation's fine.

It's the idea that god demands respect from us.

What for?

Just so he can feel all high and mighty?

Sounds like he has an inferiority complex.

You're talking about the creator of the universe.

I suggest you show some respect,

but I guess you think otherwise?

'Creator of the universe.'

and yet he's going to worry what I think of him?

What I call him?

What if it was good for us?

What, like vegetables?

Exactly.

What if honoring god actually kept us safe and happy

and living good lives?

'How great is your goodness,

which you have stored up for those who fear you.'

yeah, but you can't prove that.

I said "what if it was".

Well, I still don't think it should be a commandment.

'Thou must worship me and only use my name for praise.'

that's not someone I want to follow.

Clearly.

But whether you follow him or not

those rules are still the same.

And, you know, I worry about someone

who can't even consider the idea

that there might be someone or some thing

that's actually more significantthan he is.

You talk about an inferiority complex?

The opposite of that is a god complex.

Someone who won't extend any common courtesy to anyone

because he actually believeshe's better than everyone else.

Wallace?

Yes?

Just a question about what you told us before.

Mmm hmm.

Did you say that we're not hereto decide who's right or wrong,

but understand life and our own prejudices?

Yes, yes, you're right. Sorry.

You see, being human is making mistakes.

What determines who we are is how we handle those mistakes.

Saying 'please', 'thank you' and 'I'm sorry' all mean

that you respect and care about someone else

rather than just thinking everyone else owes you

something because you're betterthan everyone else.

So Mason, I'd like to apologize.

I'm sorry.

Thanks for standing up for me in there.

Not what you expected from the cookie server?

I see you at school a lot.

Mind if I come over and talk sometime?

You're asking for permission to talk to me?

I'm not making many friends.

I might not be good for your rep.

I think my rep can take it.

Hello, Mason.

I see you've met my daughter.

Hey, hello Mr., I mean reverend, reverend fields.

Wow.

That is a change.

I guess this group has been good for someone?

It means he cares.

Isn't that right Mason?

So the judge okay'd Mason to work here?

Yes, and because you dropped the vandalism charges

it won't go on his record.

Well, that's good.

But, believe me when I get through with him,

that juvie thing's gonna look pretty good.

I know that's true.

So when do I get my new little helper?

Today.

The judge ordered him to start today, right after school.

Hey, how'd it go with Lacey?

I saw you guys eating together.

She's cool.

But kind of sad too.

And she won't tell me why she's in the group.

And no visits to the office?

No.

Turns out please and thank you really are the magic words.

Hey, when we get home do you want to play video games?

I can't.

I gotta go to that lady's storeafter I walk you home.

Hey, how about you give me a chance to redeem myself

this weekend from the beating you gave me last time?

Bring it.

You're late.

It's 4:00.

You're kidding.

It's past 4:00 and you're late.

It's disrespectful.

I don't like how this is starting.

Yeah, me either!

Then show some respect for other people's time!

I'm sorry I'm late Mrs. Worthy.

It's miss and you can call me Ruby.

There's being respectful and then there's just

making me feel old.

This entire building needs to becleaned and repainted.

All by myself?

Anyone else help ya graffiti my wall?

This is my store and I wouldn'thave worked as hard on it

as you did.

Just doing what you told me to.

Easy kid.

I'm impressed.

You want a bag of chips or a chocolate bar?

No. This is good.

And so you say...?

If somebody gives you something you say to them...

Thank you.

That why you gave this to me?

What?

So I can hear you say thank you?

To put me in my place.

Sure.

I do nice things for people al the time

so I can put them in their place.

That'll teach you.

- It's Nate. - Come in.

Was it really that bad?

She's loving it.

Treating me like this.

I was washing and scrubbing the store the whole time.

Wow. That's a lot of work.

Yeah, I'm exhausted.

Jack used to love those days.

The days he felt like he couldn't move

at the end of them.

He said it made life seem full.

Like he hadn't wasted any of it.

He sounds pretty cool.

Yeah, he was.

Hey, Mason.

You didn't make it home today.

I told Nate to tell you.

Yeah, no. He told me.

So, it's good that you wanted to be here on time.

Just wanted to make sure your day didn't go too crazy.

You mean, did I cause any trouble?

Well, that too.

I was obedient. I did what I was told.

It's all a part of life, buddy.

Just wait till you're married.

I'm gonna tell mom you said that.

Go ahead. It'll make her happy.

Make her feel like she's doing her job.

All right, well.

Doing good. Keep it up.

Don't be too late.

Remember you have group meeting tonight too.

Oh, joy.

Anyone here not broken one of the ten commandments?

See what I mean?

Hmmm.

Anyone could set up a bunch of rules

and in no time they'd be broken.

Good point, so why have them?

Laws are there to protect us.

Structure helps us feel secure.

It's like with a dog.

If you let it know you're the boss,

it knows what it can and cannot do.

Yeah, but that's a dog.

People want freedom.

And if you have to dictate that someone follow you,

what have you really gained?

Probably resentment and anger.

And if you're just setting uprules so that people fail them,

well, what's the point?

Just to make them feel bad.

And that they now owe you something.

How's it feel Mason to have Dee supporting you?

Okay... maybe a little suspicious,

but good.

Like maybe Dee and Lacey are listening to you

and respect your opinion, hmm?

Sure.

And that in doing so, they respect you?

Think about it.

Okay, I guess.

Let's all think about that.

Think about all the people that we fight with

and argue with and do not listen to.

Or god.

Are we doing it for good reasons or pride?

Are we putting our ego, our wants, our name,

ahead of everyone else, and him?

Is that what we're doing?

If you really...

If I was...

Oh, forget it.

Hey, what are you doing?

It's late.

Yeah, I'm just trying to finish up.

You've a gift.

Grunt labor. Thanks.

At working hard.

And being precise and diligent.

You know, god gives each of us a unique gift.

It would be a waste to lose that.

And if you're going to say 'thanks' - mean it.

Yeah, but what you're praising me for is easy.

'Hurray, I can paint and clean.'

not like this.

People can't do this like you do.

People would pay good money for work like this.

Matter of fact,

I think I could get you some work.

Really?

You mean I'd get paid?

It's 'grunt' work.

Well, it's a good thing I'm gifted at that!

I could set up a meeting with some people

that might be interested in your work

and we can have it here at the store

and show off your work.

Wow!

Right on!

I mean, yes please!

Thank you, Ruby.

Now that sounded genuine.

I need to borrow your window again.

What for?

I said I'd meet Lacey.

But you're not allowed out and you've been doing so well.

I'm not some puppy.

Okay, I'm not just doing well when I'm following orders.

Might work for you but not for me.

Okay. Fine.

I like it out here.

Big and open.

No rules. No judgments.

There's a small chapel in there that I like too.

It's private and never used.

I like being alone sometimes too.

I guess when it feels like I can't trust anyone else.

You asked about the group.

I'm there because of bullying, online mostly.

I wasn't the only one!

It's not like I thought I was being mean.

I was just...

Commenting, being funny, and then dishing it out

better than anyone else could.

That's happened to me.

New kid with everyone whispering and making fun

behind my back.

Well, who are you to judge?!

Everyone is bending over backwards to help you

and you're treating them like dirt!

Lacey?

What are you doing out here?

I was worried about you.

And Mason.

Son, this is not good.

That was really stupid.

Do you just not care?

I met a girl! What's the big deal?

Oh don't Mason!

You know what the big deal is.

You were given special treatmentand this is what you do.

You break rules.

You betray trust.

You dishonor people who are trying to help you!

They'll get over it.

Yeah, well what about Nate?

He's in trouble now too.

Don't you ever think of anyone but yourself?

Hey, Nate.

I'm sorry, man, you don't deserve this.

Was it worth it at least?

No. She's mad, and I'm in trouble.

I don't think I'll see her again.

Oh, sorry.

Yeah.

It's your risk now.

Are you sure you want to vouch for him?

Yes, we do.

Yeah, we'll do whatever it takes to keep him here.

Okay.

Anything goes wrong now and you're on the hook.

You're call.

Oh, looks like the authorities are back next door.

And I was just getting used to that boy.

Okay.

So the next steps are up to you.

Got it. Thank you.

You bet.

No one's ever stood up for me like this.

You're welcome.

Hey, don't forget you have that meeting.

C'mon, I'll take you to the meeting

with Wallace and reverend fields.

Come on, let's go.

Do you want to change groups?

Are you sure?

Because to stay means hard work from everybody in here,

especially you.

It means you're gonna have to start thinking

about other people son, before yourself.

I'm sorry about last night.

How's Lacey?

Don't you worry about her, this is about you, Mason.

This is your life.

Do you have what it takes to get through all of this, son?

I don't know.

You know, things finally seemedto be going good and now,

now it seems even worse.

Well, that's why you have to make the best of what you have

and most importantly, be thankful for it.

Even for the people who are trying to keep you

on the right track.

It isn't always all good.

That's just life, pal.

I have to go to the bathroom, if that's allowed.

Sure.

I need help.

And I've asked you for stuff before but...

But I think I need forgiveness more.

The little bit of respect and love I get

I don't even deserve.

But you, you deserve it all.

And I can't even respect your name...

I'm sorry.

I'm so sorry.

Heavenly father, lord,

let me start by just honoring your name.

Let me just start by respecting you...

And wanting to please you.

Not because I have to,

but because you deserve it.

So, how many chances do we give the kid?

I have no idea.

I don't think it's our call.

Between the foster office and the courts,

they've had enough.

Where is he?

We gotta leave.

And please help me to think of others, like you lord,

and not just myself.

Lacey.

Lacey.

Lacey.

I'm so sorry about last night.

I really am.

I'm an idiot.

Fine.

You're sorry, please leave.

I've been so worried about not letting anyone be above me

that I've failed to see what I'm doing to others.

And I had no right to judge.

Okay, I want to be alone.

I was just outside thinking what would a girl who lives

by texting be doing writing on a crummy piece of paper?

I'm guessing that's a pretty personal note trying

to explain something really bad, that can't be undone.

Hey, I've written notes like that too.

When I've really messed up.

When I've felt really alone.

I never did anything with them, but came close.

All my friends have turned on me.

Like I'm some sort of loser.

Like I don't count for anything.

And my dad, he's great, but he just doesn't get it.

But I do.

And you, you count for a whole lot.

And I'm not going anywhere.

I used to be popular.

I can see it.

The pretty girl serving perfect cookies

to all her perfect friends.

Not so perfect.

Look at me now.

Here with an outcast like me.

But you know something, it's okay.

Cause we got a friend in common.

Who?

Jesus.

Mason, I...

I know. I know.

It's a lot to take, especially from someone like me, right?

Yeah, I heard it all my life, over and over,

but it's never made sense until today.

Until I realized how I was treating him.

I knew god brought you here for a reason.

Reverend fields... I'm sorry I didn't come...

Son, it's okay.

Oh, sweetie...

I am sorry.

Thank you, son.

Really.

Thank you.

Ah, oh my goodness.

You're late.

Wallace asked me to get you to Ruby's.

Come on, we gotta go.

I put my neck out for you!

And now he's gone.

Hang on a second, Ruby.

Lacey was in some trouble.

Mason helped her.

He did. A lot.

It doesn't matter. He's gone.

Why's this so important to you?

I, I was, I was gonna supply the paint and equipment

up front for the job.

I'm behind on bills and the bank's ready to foreclose.

You should, dad.

Well, you know, we've got a lot of work that needs

to be done at the church.

You did a great job.

I'll tell you what, Ruby.

We'll buy that paint and the equipment from you.

What do you say?

You still interested, Mason?

Yeah!

Thank you reverend!

I mean, if that's still okay with Ruby?

Well, I don't want to lose my best worker

unless you're willing to come back.

Of course.

Thank you Ruby.

What's going on?

Ruby called and said you didn't show up.

Tom, it's okay.

Mason has a good reason for not showing up.

He was helping my daughter.

Mason just got hired by my dad to paint the church.

And they're gonna by all the supplies and paint

right here at my place.

Way to go, Mason!

Well, he did such a great job painting Ruby's store

it was really a no-brainer to bring him through

and help us redo the church.

We're all very proud of you, Mason.

Thanks.

Yeah, we really are. You did such a great job.

I've only got one thing to say.

Welcome to the family.

Oh.

So you see,

all this young boy needed was a chance.

A feeling that someone would stand by him no matter what.

He needed someone to teach him reverence.

Exodus 20:7.

"Thou shalt not take the name of the lord thy god in vain;

for the lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh

his name in vain."

"Will not hold him guiltless..."

The passage is also one of the ten commandments, as we know,

but it's interesting that it has that additional warning

attached to the end of it.

"The lord will not hold him guiltless..."

I don't know about you all, but I sure do not want to be

not found "guiltless" when judgment day comes.

Can I get an amen to that?

Amen!

So as you see,

Mason learned this special commandment

focuses on the importance of showing respect,

because respect, it's a high standard.

It demonstrates to us the way we should communicate

with others and the way we should communicate with god,

to the lord himself.

Remember, it is respect that is the foundation

for every relationship.

It also depends on the way we express respect for him,

god almighty, in the presence of others.

Let us pray.

Dear heavenly father,

we come before you today to praise and honor

your holy name...