We first saw this in China, but it was heartening to witness songwriters and artistes banding together in Singapore when COVID-19 started hitting close to home.

Listening to these new songs and reviewing the earlier ones that were produced when I wrote “The chorus against the coronavirus: 8 songs to cheer us on“, I can’t help but be thankful, despite all that has happened during this season.

I’M SO THANKFUL FOR…

1. Empathy

I was exceptionally impressed by “Singapore, Unite as One“.

The fact that a 12-year-old had put this song together for both the affected patients and healthcare workers left me astonished. I was even more amazed when he shared that he could empathise with those who were sick because his mum had been severely ill before.

He could relate to the uncertainties and hopelessness, but held on to faith. “Losing faith may make us lose the battle,” said Jacob Neo, a Primary 6 student at Fairfield Methodist School (Primary).

Then there was the 22-year-old computer science undergraduate whose song “Nobody Knows But You” was inspired by empathy for those on the frontline.

Preferring to remain anonymous, she told us the seed for the song was planted when she heard about the “heart-wrenching story of an ambulance crew who was refused from buying food when on shift” apparently because of fear over contracting the virus.

She was also moved when she read about how fear had led Singaporeans to wipe out supermarket shelves. Surrounded by such negative news coverage, she felt that God was calling her to be a blessing with what He has given her to spur others on. 

During a time like COVID-19, adopting the lens of thanksgiving has helped me to better appreciate what God is doing through His people – raising up young ordinary Singaporeans like these two students and others to bring hope to others.

2. Sacrificial love

Again another song written out of empathy for the frontline workers, or “masked heroes” whose “identities we may never know”, “Angel Eyes” is the work of advertising veteran Jeff Cheong, DDB Group Singapore’s Deputy President. 

In a Facebook post, he said he was inspired after talking to staff at Alexandra Hospital. “I didn’t see their faces behind the masks and what I witnessed was teamwork and commitment,” he shared.

His friend, Joshua Poh, then came up with the tune and helped to tidy up the lyrics.

This time, as I listened to the song and was filled with gratitude for these frontliners, it reminded me of God’s greatest act of sacrificial love.

I couldn’t help but draw the link between some of the lyrics and how Jesus Christ stood in the gap and laid down His life for us when He came to this earth as man (Philippians 2:5-11).

“Yet you stood in the gap. Put us first, and chose the last. Still you gave it all, laying all down from the start. I know when they have seen your steps, they can trust your heart. And how could it be, that strangers would give their all just so that others could live.”  (Angel Eyes)

Indeed, His atoning sacrifice for our sins means that we no longer need to fear death (1 John 2:2).  I am assured that even if I pass from the face of this earth, I can look forward to eternal life with God. That is our living hope (1 Peter 1:3-9).

This same theme of sacrificial love also came up in “Nobody Knows But You”, from the Grab drivers who willingly signed up for the GrabCare scheme to transport healthcare workers to the Scoot air crew who volunteered to bring back the 92 Singaporeans from Wuhan.  

I’m so thankful that there have been so many people stepping up to be a blessing to the community: enterprises offering free food to frontline workers, churches unifying in prayer, non-profit organisations caring for the homeless who are vulnerable… the list goes on.

Instead of focusing on the question of “Why does a good God allow these to happen?”, maybe it’s time to ask this question instead: “How is God revealing more of Himself each day through these acts of kindness?”

3. Good governance 

As COVID-19 wears on, I also can’t help but take heart in the authorities’ efforts to remain transparent by releasing daily updates.

From infographics by the Ministry of Health to videos such as “Gurmit Singh (Phua Chu Kang) Gets Serious on COVID-19” , I’ve learnt to appreciate how the government uses even humour to help us understand how to respond to COVID-19.

Even a National Day song has gotten a remake in “Together, We Can“. Based on 1999’s National Day Parade theme song, “Together” was rearranged with new lyrics and performed by Kit Chan and 梦FM. Jeff Cheong’s team at Tribal Worldwide Asia conceptualised the video.

Because of the way the government has been managing this situation with open communication and accountability, I believe this has helped Singaporeans to largely remain calm. Hearing that we are better equipped to tackle COVID-19 because of our experience with SARS has also been reassuring.

Lastly, I’m thankful that the government has come out to say that it’s alright for churches to still continue with their gatherings as long as safety precautions are adhered to. Being able to physically gather in fellowship as a church body is something that cannot be taken for granted.

All in, these songs have helped me to reflect on the COVID-19 situation and take a step back to appreciate the good that has been birthed.

I’m reminded to count the joy come every battle, for God is right there with us.