Two quotes from the news last week caught my attention. As Italy began to loosen its restrictions, an NPR reporter reminded listeners of the early days of the lockdown when Italians lifted their spirits by singing from their balconies. But the reporter noted that patience was wearing thin, and concluded, “Now the singing is over.” In a separate editorial, David Brooks wrote, “We have entered the endurance phase of this pandemic.”

I recognize the emotions underneath both of these quotes because I feel them myself. I’m ready for the pandemic to end, but it’s clear that we have a long road ahead. I’d like to be able to make plans – for the summer, for my family, for my work – and yet it seems impossible to plan anything. When I look into this uncertain future, I don’t feel like singing. When I hear “endurance phase,” I want to grit my teeth, not burst out in song. 

But even as I say that, I’m reminded that for followers of Jesus, the singing should never end, regardless of our current circumstances. This is especially true for leaders. (See my previous blog about confronting the brutal facts and retaining faith that we will prevail.) If the music has become faint among the people you lead, you may need to:

• Remind them (and yourself) of the reasons to sing. The news and stories we read and hear directly affect our attitude and outlook. No one wants to sing if they are feasting on a constant stream of gloom and doom. Keep holding up the promises in Scripture and the hope that we have in Christ.
• Form a choir (figuratively). Those early balcony performances were often solos that seemed to shake a defiant fist at an invisible viral enemy. But it’s hard to sustain a solo, especially when it seems like the enemy isn’t being beaten as we had hoped. Especially in this time of isolation, double your efforts to help your people connect with each other in meaningful community. “Two are better than one … If either falls down, one can help the other up” (Eccl. 4:9-10).
• Write new songs. One reason people have quit singing is their growing realization that we won’t “get back to normal.” The grief that comes with that awareness is understandable. And while we shouldn’t ignore the grief, now is the time to begin envisioning a different future that while different, can still be vibrant and beautiful.  

This blog is particularly poignant in light of the questions about the safety of congregational singing during the pandemic. And yet, that is one more reason for pastors and ministry leaders to begin writing “new songs” – creating new ways to help their people see where God is at work and how the Holy Spirit might be calling them to respond. 

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