Quarantine Viewing You May Have Missed
Some say that "an idle mind is the devil's playground" but the “free” time forced on us by COVID-19 has also been put to redemptive use by millions of people who have turned to online video as an outlet for their creativity. There has been so much content generated by this “idle time” that it is easy to miss some important and uplifting videos. In the spirit of Clapham’s appreciation for creativity, commitment to community and concern for your wellbeing, we wanted to share some of the videos that we have found meaningful over the past several months.
Enjoy, and please share with us a video that you have found particularly meaningful to you during this time. We would be glad to like and share them on our social.
#1: SGN Prom with Billie Eilish, Jonas Brothers, & Chance the Rapper
Although some fans are upset that John Krasinski has licensed to ViacomCBS his improv show SomeGoodNews, I couldn’t be more thankful that it will have a life after the quarantine. This recent video was a gift to students who otherwise missed out on an important milestone in life … the high school prom.
#2: SNL Goes to Church
We’ve all become Zoom experts by now, but there was a time when we were figuring out how to unmute ourselves. Many of us who attend worship weekly have been forced to also navigate our community online. SNL hit the nail on the head with Mt. Methuselah Baptist Church’s first virtual service.
#3: Tom Hanks - Graduation Speech and Forrest Gump
We’ve been watching a Tom Hanks movie marathon over the past several weeks, and just finished Saving Private Ryan for Memorial Day. A video from Tom Hanks to a high school graduating class (that should warm your soul despite the comments under his commencement speech that believe it is all a hoax).
After Tom Hanks’s recent encounter with COVID and his Mr. Rogers portrayal, I was reminded of his performance in Forrest Gump, and the belief he expressed in the film that our life’s journey is serendipity under sovereignty. This scene from the film captures perfectly the possibility of purpose through the storm.
#4: Kirk Franklin - Ahmaud Arbery
My dear friend Kirk Franklin took to social media, speaking to the recent murder of Ahmaud Arbery, and the importance of our not turning our eyes away from injustice. In the midst of the current pandemic we face, he calls out another pandemic -- the pandemic of racism. And then yet again this week, we saw the murder of another Black man, this time at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis. It was an important moment for our country that shocked many; however, it is not a surprise for many of our black and brown friends to which this is a lived experience. May we take a moment to lament collectively, and then ask (in the words of Kirk) how we may “fight the virus of evil with the vaccine of love.”
#5: Spike Lee - New York
I love New York. It is a remarkable city, full of life and creativity. To see it abandoned is heartbreaking. Spike Lee captured the moment in a heart-wrenching short film that he posted on Instagram. I met him years ago at the premier of The Giver, when we talked about his film Red Hook Summer, and his deep appreciation for the spiritual dimension of life.
#6: The Blessing South Africa
I was moved by the expression of “love your neighbor” that Christian worship leaders in South Africa expressed by jointly singing a “Blessing” over the country. In contrast with some faith leaders who have insisted on asserting their rights to gather, possibly risking the lives of others, this expression of love and concern was a witness to the world that I believe models that of Jesus. This video has led to other renditions, including a UK version here.
#7: Andrea Bocelli - Amazing Grace
When I was on Capitol Hill, I was contacted by a couple with the largest collection of original recordings of and material related to the classic hymn “Amazing Grace”, and later was involved in the film with the same name. The song has a unique place in our common lexicon for hope in the midst of suffering, but I have never been as moved by the song when Andrea Bocelli sings “I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see.”
#8: Jim Gaffigan - Dinner with the Gaffigans
If you haven’t followed “everyman” comedian Jim Gaffigan, it’s not too late. He has been serving up an almost daily plate of quarantine reflections and begins each meal with family prayer. If you get a chance, also check out his monologue when he reflects on opening for the Pope when the Pontiff visited Philadelphia.
#10: Eduardo Verastegui - Rosary
I was on a call with Eduardo earlier this month, and he mentioned that he was holed up alone in his apartment in Mexico City, and had been praying about using his time meaningfully. His prayer was answered… a reminder to keep praying! He started praying the rosary online: for an end of the virus, for his country, and for the world. He has had thousands join him, and is inviting everyone to join him this Friday, May 30, for a global rosary.
#11: David Rodger’s 2020 Graduation (A Bonus!)
A plug for our own COVID video. Our last-at-home son graduated from UVA this month, and although we enjoyed the virtual program provided by the university and comments by President James Ryan, we wanted him to celebrate in person, but with safe distancing.