Higher Ground

In the early 1960s, Corinne Walker struggles with her belief in God following the trauma of losing her stillborn brother. This traumatic event sets off a chain reaction that ultimately impacts her parents' marriage and shapes her worldview.

As she transitions into her teenage years, Corinne meets Ethan Miller, an aspiring musician in the local rock band, The Renegades. Their shared passion for music fosters a romantic connection that eventually leads them to marriage.

Corinne and Ethan's marriage blooms as they welcome their first daughter, Abigail. This moment represents hope for Corinne, a chance to embrace motherhood and re-establish her faith amidst personal struggles.

During a tour, tragedy strikes when their tour bus crashes into a river. In a desperate act of heroism, Ethan dives into the water to save Abigail while Corinne calls out to God, marking a pivotal moment of faith and family unity.

Miraculously, Abigail is saved just before the bus sinks, leading Ethan to view the incident as divine intervention. This harrowing experience binds Corinne and Ethan closer to Jesus, introducing them to a radical New Testament church community.

As adults, Corinne and Ethan navigate their life with daughters Abigail and Lilly among self-proclaimed 'Jesus freaks.' Their days are filled with unconventional family practices and extensive Bible studies, which shape their family's identity.

Amidst family tensions, Pastor Bill advises the husbands to be more attentive to their wives' needs after witnessing the unraveling of a fellow congregant's family due to infidelity. This advice prompts a reflection on relationships within the community.

Corinne's younger sister, Wendy, arrives at their doorstep after yet another failed relationship, seeking refuge with Corinne's family. A family dinner discussion reveals old wounds and the complexities of their family dynamics.

Tensions escalate when Ethan discovers Lilly with cocaine from Wendy's suitcase. In an effort to protect their children, he and Corinne flush the drugs down the toilet, leading to a fallout with Wendy as she storms out in frustration.

As time progresses, Corinne learns that she is pregnant again, adding stress to her already complicated life. During a group meeting, she attempts to share her thoughts but is silenced by Pastor Bill, who enforces traditional gender roles.

Corinne gives birth to a son, Gabe, bringing joy amidst ongoing challenges. However, the celebration is overshadowed by the diagnosis of her best friend Annika, who faces a life-altering brain tumor.

The community surrounds Annika with prayers as she undergoes a difficult surgery. Despite their hopes, she suffers brain damage, shaking Corinne's faith and driving a wedge between her and Ethan.

Corinne and Ethan's relationship deteriorates, culminating in a violent argument where Ethan attempts to strangle Corinne in a fit of rage. This traumatic event highlights the fractures in their marriage and necessitates professional help.

In the midst of her struggle, Corinne meets Liam Donovan, an Irish mailman passionate about poetry. Their friendship grows through shared interests, offering Corinne a glimpse of a different life outside her current constraints.

After grappling with her family's expectations and her own beliefs, Corinne attends a church service and delivers a heartfelt speech. In this empowering moment, she shares her journey with faith and what it means to stand on 'higher ground.'