Can you guess what the following locations from around the world have in common?
- Santa Monica, CA
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Zuni, New Mexico
- Toulouse, France
- Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- Moscow, Russia
- Caracas, Venezuela
- The Congo
- Guguletu, South Africa
- Barcelona, Spain
- Umlazi, South Africa
- Pisa, Italy
- Mamelodi, South Africa
Given what’s going on in the world, you may have guessed that they are locations where people have tested positive for COVID-19. In fact, they are all places from which musicians around the world came together virtually to make an inspiring recording of the 1961 classic song, “Stand By Me.”
We all have practices and people we turn to that give us hope and comfort in anxious times. Prayer, friends, family, spending time in nature, and music come to mind. All of these are important to me, and this song, for me, is like a prayer, so I turn to it often. I watch it whenever I feel discouraged about what’s happening in the world. Apparently, I am not alone, as there have been more than 142 million views of this video. As we all face an unprecedented worldwide crisis, a song featuring musicians from around the world seems most fitting.
In the midst of our worry, let’s stand with and support the people from every corner of the world who are courageously fighting COVID-19 either as patients, healthcare workers, or in any other capacity. My prayer is that we may find comfort and strength in standing together in this time of anxiety.
Here is the link to this music video I love to watch. Watching our brothers and sisters around the world singing this hopeful song could be the best five minutes of your day, and may remind you of someone you know who could use a little “standing by” right now.
You can find the video by clicking HERE>
Article by The Rev. Dr. D. Scott Stoner, Living Compass
