Whispers in the Willows

Whispers in the Willows details how people tend to exaggerate and embellish the truth about another without truly exploring the truth. Jesus clearly declares to His followers to "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 NKJV)

Based on this simple statement, Whispers in the Willows depicts the people of a small Midwest town who are so ensnared in spreading rumors about an elderly gentleman who lives at the end of a dead-end street, they never take time to learn the history of this old man. It is not until a young couple moves into an old farmhouse next to this old-timer, Woody, that they begin to unearth the secrets of his past and resulting pains. In the process, the couple, as well as the rest of the townspeople, come to appreciate Woody for all that he contributed to the community, as well as coming together to help bury his pains of antiquity.

In the end, the rumors cease, the townspeople rejoice, and "Woody's" purpose to live is renewed and revived.