They are surrendering to God.
The cast of the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple” recently revealed the profound impact their faith had while filming, with their thoughts shared during an interview hosted by DeVon Franklin, a preacher and filmmaker. This rendition, featuring Fantasia Barrino as Celie and Danielle Brooks as Sofia, alongside renowned figures like Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, and Louis Gossett Jr., is the latest in a line of adaptations following Spielberg’s 1985 movie and the Broadway versions in 2015 and 2005.
Discussing the spiritual influence of the film, Henson remarked on the danger of a cancel culture mindset, drawing parallels between the character Mister’s actions and contemporary judgment. She emphasized the importance of redemption and acknowledging wrongdoing, challenging the notion of casting judgment on others for their mistakes. Her sentiments echoed the broader theme of forgiveness and empathy highlighted in the story.
The movie, set in the early 1900s, portrays the enduring struggles of an African American woman in the South and celebrates the unbreakable bond among three women. Oprah, a key figure in the original film, shared how her involvement shaped her perspective, steering her away from personal ambitions to align with what she perceived as God’s purpose for her. She recalled a pivotal moment of surrender, realizing that relinquishing control allowed for unexpected, grander opportunities.
Her experiences led her to relinquish her personal dreams in favor of embracing what she believed was divinely guided. This perspective shift, she explained, enabled her to live in alignment with what she saw as God’s plan for her life.
While Oprah has previously expressed her devotion to Jesus and the Bible, she’s also advocated for universalism and alternative spiritual ideologies, suggesting multiple paths to salvation beyond faith in Jesus Christ.
In essence, the discourse surrounding the film not only delves into its artistic and cultural significance but also touches on deeper themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the surrender of personal ambitions to a higher purpose—an idea that significantly impacted Oprah and her outlook on life.