Glacia Robinson breathes again after COVID battle

When it comes to her health, gospel singer and musician Glacia Robinson has learnt to be cautious.

Having battled an illness of unknown origin almost two decades ago, this would have prepared her for COVID-19.

She told Gospel Spotlight, "With a heart filled with gratitude, I look back at our journey through 2021 and I am immediately reminded of the faithfulness of God. My year in review encapsulates some fierce and savage lows, and some astounding highs. Even in those low moments, like when I suffered through a bout with COVID-19 in April, God remained faithful at every turn."

Robinson was hospitalised twice in a 15-day period when she contracted the coronavirus. She had pneumonia in both her lungs and was unable to walk on her own for weeks during the illness and recovery.

"I struggled to breathe, with pneumonia in both lungs, my pre-hospitalisation blood oxygen level at 58 per cent [the normal level for adults is 98 per cent or higher]," she shared.

Robinson continued: "But I am still here, I'm still breathing so God is not finished with me. I am extremely thankful for the gift of life! There have been times when it seemed like I was not going to make it but God has kept me alive."

Despite all the challenges, the Survivor singer-songwriter was able to release 12 singles in 2021. She also continues to collaborate with Food For The Poor, who she gifted with her single We Are One which was officially released last year.

"This is a song of love, unity, encouragement, equality and hope. Presented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a theme song for many, including being a gift to the charitable organisation Food For The Poor (FFTP)," she said. "This partnership with FFTP assigns all the proceeds to be used as a rallying cry to help others in need around the world. In August 2021 the 'We Are One' concert featuring Michael W. Smith, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Jason Gray and myself, raised enough funds for 7.7 million meals for families in desperate need."

Robinson also partnered with the organisation in October 2021 for The Celebration of Hope Gala to raise funds to provide 37 families with homes. The charity also matched every dollar raised for the homes, providing 1.2 million life-saving meals for families in areas of Haiti's southern peninsula devastated by the August 14 earthquake. That same month, Robinson received the Trail Blazer Award from The Caribbean Gospel Legends Music Awards. She is also working on an album featuring various musical genres from reggaeton to orchestra music which is also part of her charitable commitments to FFTP.

"With a full schedule, travelling, while recording multiple projects simultaneously, coupled with live recordings and virtual events, God carried my team and I in His mercy and grace. We were blessed to collaborate with FFTP on multiple occasions this year," she said.

Robinson encouraged persons who might be going through their own storms that God is with them and there is nothing that can defeat Him.

"Do not lose sight of your dreams, continue to pursue the maximum fulfilment of God's plan and purpose for your life. We are living in uncertain and challenging times, but do not allow the trials of life to dampen your faith and confidence in God. He did not bring you this far to leave you. But He will complete the amazing work that He has begun in your life. If you are still breathing; then God is not finished with you," Robinson said.