As with most things on A&D, it is not my duty to question why, only to take the inspiration as it comes. This week, I was inspired to inquire as to the inspiration for the characters and, as you'll see starting tomorrow, dig deeper into their names.
For the answers, we really need look no further than Martha Williamson, of course. She said in an interview that "...each of the 4 POstables are 4 different versions of [herself]."
Besides being a reflection of her father in his faith and commitment to being a gentleman, Oliver is also the example of faith she aspires to. “I always wanted to be the person who made people say, ‘Wow! Why is she so kind? Why is she so loving?’ Then, later, people could discover that I’m a Christian. The character Oliver is like that. People see God in Him, because of the difference he makes. You can see his faith in the way he lives.” He also captures the writer in Martha, "..the person who doesn’t want to lose old fashioned values – like character, meaningful relationships, and integrity." The connection to her characters doesn't stop there. She sees Shane as the producer in her, "who wants to be efficient and relevant." It's no wonder that Shane and Oliver compliment each other so well! For Martha, Rita represents "the most childlike part of me, the part that still wants to believe the absolute best in everyone she meets and is excited about every day." Through Norman, with whom she shares some shyness, Martha's message is "that everyone, even shy people, can make a huge difference in this world." |
This is the question the What's In A Name? series is designed to answer. And, having spent a considerable amount of time (nearly a month) pondering the connections between the POstables actions and their names, I can tell you that even as I wrote the posts themselves the answers surprised me. I have no idea whether Martha's choice of names was purposeful or not. If they weren't, then I can honestly say that something divine is absolutely at work here.
This week I'll be re-introducing you to the POstables. Trust me, you'll never look at them quite the same way again!
Pleased To Welcome You To A&D's Next Big Series,
~C
What's In A Name? Series: Introduction | Norman | Rita | Oliver | Shane
P.S. Have you had a chance to check out the Joy In The Morning photo gallery yet?!