Younger Perspective: Reagan Griffin

By Erin Stevens

It’s one thing to impact thousands of people’s lives through the example of your ministry, songwriting, and personal life, but it is entirely another thing when you are your children’s hero. The shoulder they run to in times of defeat, the hug they crave after a long day at school, and the sounding board to all life’s ‘wonders and whys.’ That is exactly the case in the life of Rodney Griffin. Today I am delighted to introduce to you his darling daughter, the lovely Miss Reagan. Get to know this young lady, budding with talents, and a remarkable dedication to serving others. Reagan, take it away…

 

Erin: What was it like growing up with your dad being such a prominent figure in Gospel music?

Reagan: It was always normal for me to see him leave every weekend. That’s just who he is. Dad loves what he does and I love being his daughter. I take so much pride in his ministry. 

 

Erin: When did you first discover your love for the piano?

Reagan: My love for playing began in church a few years ago; that was a huge push for me! I’ve recently started having fun playing the ukulele too.

 

Erin: It’s apparent on social media that you are becoming quite the scarf maker! How are you enjoying your latest businesswoman endeavor? 

Reagan: Honestly, it’s a blast! When I have spare time, I love to just sit and crochet. It’s quite relaxing.

 

Erin: For those who are missing out, try to put into words the magical joy that comes from growing up with your family at ’the happiest place on earth?’

Reagan: Disney World is such an exciting place! It has always been somewhere I look forward to going back year after year! I feel like I’m a little child all over again when we walk inside. 

 

Erin: What is your life-verse or verses? And why?

Reagan: One of my favorites is Proverbs 3:5-7: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.” It reminds me that, yes, I will fail me, but God won’t.  

 

Erin: While being a junior in high school, what are the most effective ways you have found to be an example of Christ to those around you?

Reagan: My youth pastor has a quote he always says: “Treat everybody like somebody.” There is much truth in that statement. Everyone wants to be appreciated. I’ve discovered that when you take time and really listen and pay attention to someone, they will notice something different in you. Another way is to simply go out of your way to do extra, tiny deeds. Whether it’s picking up empty water bottles left after practice, or throwing away the gum wrappers left in the church pew; these are things that are overlooked as ‘unimportant.’ Someone has to do them. Let’s be that person. 

 

Erin: Who would you most likely be found jamming out to on your iPod?

Reagan: I love the 1940-50s swing music: Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosemary Clooney, and Nat King Cole. 

 

Erin: If there was one defining moment in life you could relive, what would that be?

Reagan: Last year, I was chosen to be the Singing News Fan Awards ‘Trophy Girl.’ I had the privilege of walking on stage and presenting the awards to those I look up to. It was an incredible experience that I’ll remember for a long time!

 

Erin: Being surrounded by Southern Gospel fans since you were little, what is the craziest thing a fan has said to you?

Reagan: I was standing to the side of a walkway with some friends, listening to my dad sing, when an older lady came up behind me and said, “You know I’m stalking you, right?” With a nervous giggle, I said “Uh, okay.” and moved a little closer to my friends. 

 

Erin: Are you a songwriter like your dad?

Reagan: When I was growing up, my best friend, my sister, and I wrote several little songs with the most obnoxious tunes. “Poor Little Doughnut,” “Mr. Dan and The Hotdog Stand,” and one about cowboys. I don’t think you’ll be seeing those up on the ‘One-Hit-Wonders Chart’ anytime soon.

 

Erin: In closing, how would you personally encourage young ladies in their walk with the Lord as you make steps every day to become closer to Him?

Reagan: I am learning more and more all the time about how much God cares for me. As young ladies, we tend to compare ourselves to the other girls around us; therefore, finding our self worth in the wrong things. God wants to be that one person we go to when those insecure thoughts cross our mind. He wants to wrap you up in a big hug and say, “I love you. I made you just the way you are.”

 

We all come from different walks of life, but I am certain that Reagan’s moving words can speak to every heart. You may be 18 or 80, it doesn’t matter; insecurities plague every age group. Coming from a mind so sharp and a heart so full as Reagan’s, I pray you can see that YOU are enough. You are capable enough when you lean on Jesus as your Rock. When we are weakest, that’s when He is the strongest in our lives. Thank you, Reagan, for gracing us with your presence and allowing us to see a glimpse into your life today. May God’s hand of blessing rest upon you. Until next month, Scoops fans…

 

And that’s my take on it.

For current Younger Perspective features, see the latest SGN Scoops magazine here.