Sunday, August 28, 2016

The Inner Views of Lindsay Huggins

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
Roman 1:16
(KJV)

A few years ago, I was introduced to the music of the dear young lady I am interviewing today.
Soon, we connected online, and a sweet friendship was formed.
How blessed I was when later God orchestrated a way for my family and me to meet her in person while in Myrtle Beach where she was scheduled to perform!
God has gifted her with an amazing talent to sing
and an accompanying joyful, humble, Christlike spirit. 
I know you are going to love getting to know her, and I hope you can take the time to 
listen to a few of her songs included below.
You will be abundantly blessed!


So thankful to present to you the 
of
Follower of Jesus, Wife, Mom, Friend, Worship Leader, and Christian Recording Artist,
Lindsay Huggins.

Cheryl:  Please tell us about yourself. 

Lindsay:  I grew up in a small town - Sandersville, Georgia. My younger sister and I were blessed with wonderful loving and hard-working parents, who have modeled lives of character before us. My family was very involved in church and music, which went hand in hand. After graduating from high school, I moved to Nashville, TN, to attend Trevecca Nazarene University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Business. I traveled in a singing group for TNU, along with this cute sweetheart of a guy named Craig. He also happened to be our sound tech and was good at his job, so I decided to keep him! We were married on April 8, 2006 in my hometown. In 2012, our son Tanner was born and we make our home just outside of Nashville.

Cheryl:  Can you share with us about your Christian testimony? When did you become a Christian? Were you raised in a Christian home? What drew you to Christ?

Lindsay:  I was raised in a Christian home, and we were faithful church members. It seemed we were there all the time, which I loved. My best friends were my church friends. From a very young age, I remember learning God’s Word. But it wasn’t until I was 13 years old that I really remember inviting Jesus in my heart. I was trying to fall asleep that night and the Lord was speaking to me. I was listening to a CD of one of my favorite artists at the time (this was how I fell asleep every night), and I made it all the way to the end, still wide awake. That last song talked about not missing the opportunity to respond to the Holy Spirit because we never know if today will be our last. I got up and woke up my Mama, and she came into the living room with me. We prayed and read scripture together, and that’s the night I truly invited Jesus into my heart.

Cheryl:  What a sweet and precious testimony, Lindsay!  What was your biggest, most cherished childhood dream? What did you most hope to accomplish in life? Who did you want to become?

Lindsay:  As cliche as it sounds, my dream has always been to sing! The dream has looked different during various seasons of my life, but I knew that’s what I wanted to do. My Mama will tell you, I could turn anything into a microphone. Hairbrush, fork, my thumb - you name it! And my sister would get so annoyed at me always singing. I loved Reba McEntire. Every Sunday, our family would gather at my Granny and Granddaddy’s house for dinner after church. Granny would make a big meal and after dinner, everyone would move into the living room. My sister and I would then perform a dinner show. We stood on footstools, sang into old microphones that had been discarded by our church, and performed a full show of Reba songs using her cassette as our band. Too bad we didn’t have cell phone cameras at our fingertips then. I bet the videos would be a hoot! I went on to work for Reba after college, and she’s still one of my favorites!

Cheryl:  Who is your most influential spiritual mentor?

Lindsay:  Well, of course I have to say my Mama. She’s been my mentor from day one, and still encourages me, prays for me, and spurs me on in faith.

Cheryl:  I love your song, “Praying Women”. Can you tell us about the most prominent praying women in your life?


If video doesn't load, click here.

Lindsay:  This song is definitely true about my Mama. My Granny has also modeled a strong faith, and there are so many women who have guided me, and prayed with and for me over the years - Sunday School teachers, youth leaders, school teachers. I’m very thankful for my pastor’s wife, Karan.

Cheryl:  How old were you when you began singing? Please share with us about your singing experiences and career.

Lindsay:  I’m sure as soon as someone would let me on the platform I was singing in the kids music programs at church. My first distinct memory of performing is when I was around five years old. I entered a children’s talent competition sponsored by our district church. I sang “What Makes Popcorn Pop” that Lauren Talley had recorded. (I had all her cassettes.) I won that day, and remember taking my trophy to kindergarten Show-and-Tell. :)

Cheryl:  Describe what you would define as the most exciting happening in your music ministry thus far.

Lindsay:  I’ve had lots of exciting singing opportunities - singing on main stage at National Quartet Convention, sharing the stage with some of top names in Gospel music, etc. But the most rewarding moments come when I know God has used my music and the talent He gave me to speak to someone’s heart.

Cheryl:  How many concerts do you perform each year?

Lindsay:  I’m never good at answering this question! I’d literally have to pull out the calendar and count all the dates. I’m always seeking and accepting opportunities to minister. I’d say on average, I’m on the road about three weekends a month.

Cheryl:  Of all of the songs you have recorded and sung, what is your personal favorite?

Lindsay:  Right now, I’d say there are two - "Praying Women" and "Nothing He Can't Redeem".



If video doesn't load, click here.

Cheryl:  What would you say is your driving force? What keeps you going on days that you are worn out and wondering how you will continue to keep up the pace?

Lindsay:  What’s the quote? “Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Well, I wouldn’t say that’s 100% accurate because there’s quite a bit of work to be done! But I do love getting to sing and travel and share the Good News through the gift of music. I love meeting folks out on the road and hearing their stories. And I love that I can do this together with my family.

Cheryl:  Being a wife and a mother, how do you find balance? What would you say is your biggest challenge when trying to fill so many roles, simultaneously? What advice can you offer to others in similar circumstances?

Lindsay:  Umm…maybe you should get someone else to answer this question and then send their answer to me! :) Seriously, though, it is tough. There are so many standards we try to live up to - as a woman, as a wife, as a parent, as a minister, as a performer. It can be draining. One thing I’m trying to embrace is being fully present in my current situation. And remembering that my first job is to love God and my family well. And my witness and ministry to others will overflow from that.

Cheryl:  What is your favorite thing to do when you are off the road? What do you most look forward to doing when you get back home? What do you miss the most while you are gone?

Lindsay:  I guess I’d say I mostly miss the familiarity of home when I’m on the road. And sometimes our dog Chloe can’t travel with us, so we miss her when we have to leave her behind. But I’ve never been a home body. I love to travel, so I don’t get too homesick when I’m away, unless my husband and son can’t be with me.

Cheryl:  Can you share with us about one of the darkest times of your life? How did your faith in God sustain you?

Lindsay:  We had quite a difficult journey to becoming parents. It didn’t come easy for us, and this struggle is one that so many couples face, but yet not many openly talk about it. We felt pretty alone during this time. Myself probably more than my husband. It seemed all our friends were having babies. Some were on their second or third, and we were still hoping. We finally got that good news and two weeks later I started hemorrhaging. I knew that I must be losing the baby. I hadn’t even been in for my first doctor’s appointment but I called and spoke to the nurse. I was a basket case, but I remember her saying “I need you to just have a little faith.” Honestly I wasn’t sure how to take that comment. I mean, of course I had faith! Right? The issue continued for two weeks without explanation. But from that first very early appointment where we heard that little heartbeat, we had to hold on to our Hope, knowing that God was in control no matter what. Our perfect baby was born in March 2012, and he is ALL BOY. Even as I’m typing this, he’s pretending to be superheroes, running around my desk.

Cheryl:  As Christians, we are living in very discouraging times. What do you personally do to stay encouraged? What are your favorite Bible verses? Are there any particular books, hymns, or other resources that you turn to for strength and courage?

Lindsay:  There are so many sources of media that it seems we are constantly bombarded with the bad stuff. But we can also use all the media at our fingertips for sources of good news, too. I have a Bible app on my phone, it suggests daily readings. I also enjoy the “Jesus Calling” devotional. And of course, music is my go-to! When I was afraid we were losing our baby, I sang “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” a lot! Some days I was celebrating the comfort I found in trusting Him. Some days I was convincing myself that I had to trust Him. But always praying “oh for grace to trust Him more”.

Cheryl:  How can we pray for you? Are there any particular requests you would like us to share and bring to the Father on your behalf?

Lindsay:  Thank you for offering your prayers on my behalf! I’d ask that you pray for wisdom and guidance, safety in travel, and a purity in my ministry, that I wouldn’t be distracted by the unnecessary things or swayed by the desires of the world.

Such noble requests, Lindsay!
Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to share your heart with us today!
You are such a dear blessing, and I trust God will continue to bless you,
your sweet family, and your ministry. 
May He always work in and through your life in new and amazing ways!

Please keep Lindsay in your prayers, dear readers,
and if you have a moment, please stop by her website,
where you can buy her CDs and learn more about her music.

Make sure to have tissues handy before watching the video below!



If video doesn't load, click here.

34 comments:

  1. Great interview! Praying for Lindsay, her family, and ministry. Thanks for the introduction! What an amazing voice from God!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your encouraging words, brother. God bless you abundantly!

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the pleasure of getting to know Lindsay and her ministry.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So thankful to be able to introduce her to you, sweet friend. God bless you!

      Delete
  3. Replies
    1. Thank you for your visit and for reading, Dayle! God bless you, my friend!

      Delete
  4. That was such an interesting interview. I don't know her songs but will look out for them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So thankful you enjoyed this, Elizabeth, and I hope you continue to enjoy Lindsay's music! God bless you. :)

      Delete
  5. I've never heard Lindsay's music -- thanks for the sweet introduction to this lovely servant of God.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So grateful to you for your kind words, Michele, and so happy to introduce Lindsay to you. :) God bless you abundantly!

      Delete
  6. Awesome that you were able to meet each other in real life! That's great that she comes from a small town. I may be biased as a country girl, but I think small-town and country living is good for people! Pretty neat that she married her sound tech! And it's great that she is doing what she has always wanted to do and loved since she was a child. Enjoyed the "do what you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life" quote, but I would have to agree with her that performing can have some work involved. There's practice...and then carrying all the sound equipment and instruments in and out every performance, setting up, and tearing down! Thanks for sharing a great interview!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it surely does take a lot of work...it is a joy to be in God's perfect will, but it still involves work. :) He wants all of us to occupy until He comes and to remain busy in doing what He is calling us, individually, to do. So thankful for your visit, sweet Bethany! God bless you!

      Delete
  7. Nice to meet sweet Lindsay ♥ Continue to be an inspiration ♥

    summerdaisy.cottage.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your sweet visit, Summer. So thankful you could meet Lindsay and be introduced to her music. God bless you!

      Delete
  8. Thanks for sharing Lindsay with us, I haven't heard of her before... and Lindsey, thank you for sharing from the heart and allowing us to get to know you and your music. Blessings, your neighbor at #MondayMusings

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Debbie, for your visit and kind words! So happy you were introduced to Lindsay! God bless you abundantly!

      Delete
    2. Great music, Cheryl. And good interview too. How do you set the questions? Do you discuss the interview on the phone first? Or is it all done through e-mails?

      I used to do radio interviews "live". But I guess this is different.

      God bless.

      Delete
    3. Hello, Victor! Great questions! I do phone interviews and email interviews. When done by phone, I have shared the questions ahead of time or not shared them. I do try to make sure the person being interviewed is not caught off guard and make it as comfortable as possible with them. It is great fun for me, and God keeps opening amazing doors! Thank you for asking, and I am so grateful for your presence here. :) God bless you!

      Delete
  9. How blessed Lindsey is to be able to do what she loves for a living. Her music touches my heart and I wish her God's continued guidance in her career and personal life. Loved reading her testimony of faith to keep trusting God for her dream and then birth her son! Thank you for sharing her story with us, Cheryl. It must have been fun to meet up in person, too, with her!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It was very special to me to meet her...I started to include a picture that Kevin took of Lindsay and me together, but oh, my, I hate seeing pictures of myself! LOL! God was so good to orchestrate our meeting, and I will always cherish that memory. So very thankful you stopped by and that you enjoy Lindsay's music!! God bless you, sweet friend. :)

      Delete
  10. What a wonderful innerview! I first heard of Lindsay from blogging friend Bonnie from White Lace & Promises. Bonnie and I have a connection too! Through blogging we found out our kids graduated in the same class from Trevecca in Nashville! Ours graduated in 2004 and when by chance Bonnie and I made the connection, she has since shared about her sweet friend Lindsay! Isn't this wonderful world of blogging amazing? Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, how neat, Debby!! That is just really something. It really, really IS a small world after all, huh? I will have to check out Bonnie's blog! Thank you for your sweet visit and support!

      Delete
  11. Here listening to her songs now.
    Thank you!

    What an inspiring woman.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She truly is inspiring...I am so blessed by the three songs I have included here, and she has lots more, too! Thank you for your visit, Lux. It is always a blessing to see that you have come by!

      Delete
  12. Wow... love her voice and her heart! Grateful I was your neighbour today at #CoffeeForYourHeart and got to read this... going to check out more of her music!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, that just makes me smile, Christine! I am so happy to introduce Lindsay and her music to you! I know you will continue to be blessed. Thank you so much for visiting!! God bless you. :)

      Delete
  13. I was incredibly blessed by this interview, Cheryl (and Lindsay!). I especially enjoyed reading about the relationship she has with her mother. My mom is also my spiritual mom, having introduced me to Jesus when I was three years old. I also had the privilege of knowing grandparents, and great-aunts and uncles who were strong believers. I never take for granted the faith legacy that I was surrounded with. It's important now to realize that I am in that position of being the older generation, and the passing on of my testimony is crucial.

    You have a way, Cheryl, of finding the most interesting and wonderful people for your Inner Views series. And Lindsay is no exception. Her voice and her music are beautiful, but I have also been blessed by her words today.

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, thank you ever so much, sweet friend! It is ALL God, believe me. HE is so faithful to answer prayer and open the right doors and just line everything up. I am so grateful to Him. I am so glad to introduce Lindsay to you! So thankful you were blessed, and I want you to know I am praying for you and love and appreciate you so much!

      Delete
  14. Thank you for this blessing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And, thank you for visiting and for your sweet words! God bless you!

      Delete
  15. This is such a lovely post and sharing of a beautiful testimony! You seem to outdo yourself each time you share a special testimony of how the Lord has worked in each one's life! So wonderful that Lindsey can sing and share the Lord with others, and to love what she does! What a joy that you were able to meet her in person too! I enjoyed her testimony of the goodness of the Lord in her life, and will be listening to the songs you shared! Hugs and much love to you today dear Cheryl!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lindsay truly is a blessing! Thank you ever so much for your dear, kind words and your sweet visit today! God bless you abundantly, my friend!

      Delete
  16. Thank you for sharing this inspiring innerview of Lindsay. I loved the fact that at age 13 with the Holy Spirit tugging at her heart, she got out of bed and woke up her Mama to read scriptures and pray with her to receive Jesus. Thank you Cheryl for sharing this lovely testimony with us here at Tell me a Story.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I thought that was so sweet, too, Hazel. Those of us who have (had) praying mothers are abundantly blessed! I miss my own dear mother's prayers, and I think often of the verse in Revelation that says "blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, and their works do follow them". I believe my dear mother's prayers are still being answered on my and my siblings' behalf. Thank you for your visit and support! God bless you. :)

      Delete