However, should there be no miracle, Martha must give up religion. Within a few minutes of agreeing, the face of Jesus appears on the side of one of the refrigerators on Martha's front lawn. This event understandably alters their lives. Bobby goes crazy marketing the Jesus apparition, losing no time to exploit the gullible. However, Martha's initial delight at the "miracle" soon gives way to dismay at the loss of her privacy, over the intrusive mobs and cameras at her doorstep.

The scam is finally revealed, however, when Martha's friend Jessie reveals that the image is actually caused by shadows cast by trees. Initially, Bobby once again reacts with anger at his loss, but Martha is once again there for him. She also learns to relax her stringent views on religion. The play ends on a hopeful note, that together, Bobby and Martha will arrive at better understandings of one...

Bobby's anger is very palpable, and it is a testament to Schenkkan's skill as a writer that he comes off as very unlikable. In contrast, Martha's character is a calming presence. Her love for her grandson is a strong backbone of the play, and drives the play to its conclusion. It is Martha - not the unseen Jesus - that embodies the values of love and fidelity. The most touching scenes occur when grandmother and grandson talk about the death of his parents, as the two characters skillfully evoke feelings of both anger and lost. It is interesting how these evocations are fleeting, as ephemeral as the face of Jesus on the side of an old refrigerator. Waylon, Texas is a small town once again, but the audience can see that both Bobby and Martha have experienced their own growth.