Younger Perspective on Lindsay Huggins

Younger Perspective on Lindsay Huggins

A word from the writer…

Time for the second Younger Perspective interview of 2017! Many of you are probably still hunkering down, trying to keep warm on these chilly days. So while you’re nestled under a mound of blankets on the couch, or maybe at your desk with the space heater turned too high, why don’t you stop for a few minutes and warm up to this month’s cozy interview with Lindsay Huggins. I met Lindsay years ago, and she always seemed like such a genuine soul every time I saw her at an event. Let’s take a few moments to get to know her better…

Erin: Although you grew up in a musical home, when did you first feel the call of music ministry on your life?

Lindsay: I didn’t have a moment when I felt like I heard an audible voice from heaven saying, “Go and sing the Gospel,” but when I fully committed my life to Christ and surrendered my will to Him, I pledged to walk through the doors He opened. I knew He had gifted me with a talent to sing and that was also my desire. I’m at home on the platform singing my heart out. And I believe that God uses music to speak to people, because He so often speaks to me that way.

So I kept doing what I loved where the doors were opening, and that grew to more and more opportunities to share my music and testimony. There have been several times when I thought maybe I should just go back to work at an office job with a more steady pay and benefits. But when I thought it didn’t make sense to continue in this, God has provided for needs in ways we wouldn’t have expected, and I believe I’ve seen confirmation that I’m doing His work.

Erin: After graduating Trevecca University with your business degree geared towards music, what was your experience like interning with the legendary Reba McEntire?

Lindsay: I actually interned for Reba McEntire’s Starstruck Studios my last semester at Trevecca. My advisor and professor, Jim Foglesong, signed Reba to her first record deal (along with countless others.) He helped me make the connection there. It was a great semester; I then graduated that May. They said they’d keep me in mind for any opportunities they might hear of, which sounded nice, but I honestly didn’t expect to hear from them again.

A few months later, they called on a Friday afternoon, and said they were looking for a new receptionist, and that if I was interested, to come in Monday morning, the job was mine. That started a four-year season of working at Starstruck Entertainment.

After the first year, I moved up to an executive assistant position and helped in many facets of Reba’s business operations. It was an exciting time. I truly loved working there, and I’m always happy to tell people that Reba is just as wonderful as you hope she is. I’m still one of her biggest fans; everyone that works for a celebrity can’t say that.

While I was working there, I was traveling and singing on the weekends. We’d leave Friday afternoon, and get back in the wee hours of Monday morning. More doors were opening for ministry, and I felt like it was the right time to take a leap of faith.

Erin: How did you meet your husband and what role does he play in your ministry?

Lindsay: Craig and I met in college at Trevecca. We first were introduced when we were traveling in music groups for the school. The first year, we were in two different groups. Then they rearranged the following year, and we spent two years traveling in the same group. He was the sound guy, so I decided to hang on to him. It worked out pretty well for me!

Because Craig had focused on sound engineering in school, he had collected some used sound gear and invested in ProTools. My first albums, we recorded vocals in our closets and bathrooms at our house. He did the engineering and mixing.

He runs my sound, keeps the books, helps me wrangle our four-year-old son, Tanner, and pushes me to think outside the box. Basically, he does all the hard work…I just sing!

Erin: What are some exciting things the fans can expect from Lindsay Huggins in this new year?

Lindsay: Speaking of Tanner, he has taken an interest in singing and “playing” Craig’s trumpet. It’s the cutest thing ever, and he’s such a ham. I don’t know where he gets that from! I think in the new year, folks will see him on stage a lot more. I’d love to make some new music – possibly a worship project next?

We had a little mishap in the vehicle that we use for ministry travel,

so sadly we might be looking for a new ride soon. Whatever the year holds, this journey is never boring.

Erin: In your years of being on the road, what would you consider to be your funniest “roadie story?”

Lindsay: Hmm… I’m awful at remembering stuff like this on the spot. And some things just can’t be printed! But here’s a recent one: Most of the funny moments these days are provided courtesy of Tanner. A few weeks ago, Tanner had decided he wanted to sit on the front row that night instead of with Craig. I hesitated, but agreed. So I started singing the first song. I’m getting into it, eyes closed, head back singing, when I feel someone patting my leg. I look down, and Tanner cups his hand around his mouth as though he’s going to whisper something to me, and yells, “IT’S TOO LOUD!” So I looked at him and said, “Go tell your daddy,” and kept on singing. What are you gonna do? That was the end of him sitting on the front row for the evening.

Erin: Hands down, can’t live without, have to have food item – 3…2…1…go!

Lindsay: Mexican!

Erin: For those that may not know, please share with the readers how your music scholarship program came to be.

Lindsay: Craig and I wanted to do something beyond just traveling and singing. We wanted to make a tangible difference in our local community as well. Music has been a big part of both our lives. We were both in bands, took private lessons, and it was a part of what shaped us. So we wanted to help provide that opportunity to some kids whose parents might not be able to fit an instrument rental into their monthly budget, and help make it possible for them to participate in their school band program. I reached out to the band director at the middle school here in our area to see if there might be a need.

We are sponsoring three sixth-grade girls, providing their instruments for them. They all wanted to play brass instruments; a trumpet and two trombones. I love it. I took Tanner with me the day we delivered the instruments to the girls. He was in awe of the band room, and the girls were so appreciative. They seem to be enjoying band and thriving. I hope they’ll continue with band for the next several years, and that we can grow the scholarship to include more students each year.

Erin: In this season of life, what do you feel the Lord is strongly teaching you as you draw closer to Him?

Lindsay: Slow down. Listen. Pay attention to the things that matter, and don’t get caught up in what doesn’t. Time is fleeting and precious. Don’t be overcome by fear. Let go of what is out of my control and keep trusting Him.

Closing words from the writer…

Maybe today you are struggling with fear of present circumstances or fear of the unknown. Take heart in knowing your Abba Father cares, and He sees you right where you are. Also, take Lindsay’s advice to slow down and listen. All your tomorrow’s are in God’s hands. Let go and let God. For more on Lindsay Huggins visit www.lindsayhuggins.com.

Until next month, Scoops fans.

And that’s my take on it.

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Who would YOU like to see Erin interview next?

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