Julia, a devout Southern Baptist, relies on religion to survive childhood with a schizophrenic father. As a teenager she forms a friendship with John, an awkward but wealthy young man she meets at church. Despite the disapproval of John's family, they marry. After the birth of their son, Julia believes she has found peace, security, and happiness in her roles as wife and mother. But Julia's faith and parental abilities are challenged when her teenage son is diagnosed with schizophrenia.