I heard him before I knew him.
Several years ago the style of music in the worship services at my Church were progressing toward a more contemporary, “younger” style.
I liked it.
During particular songs which were of a fast beat I heard a guitar sound similar to that of The Edge, U2s lead guitar.
It was not out of place…it gave those songs the same “anthem” sound and feel of a U2 song….if you know U2 then you know their spiritual component…and contributed to the lifted up worship which Hillsong and other contemporary Christian churches were putting out at the time.
The rift was coming from Chris Griffin’s guitar.
I made it a point to go meet him….because of what I was hearing.
Little did I know…..
I was meeting one of the best people I would ever come to know.
And, I still feel that way years later.
I came to know a great musician.
I came to know a better person.
Chris was and is a husband, father, musician, band leader, music teacher, marketer and with all the attention which comes from playing on stage in front of adoring people….one of the most humble people I have known in my many years.
As I had heard him before I saw him….
I came to understand this was a great example of who he was…and is.
While he is in front of so many people when performing…
Chris is not one to ask that the spotlight be directed at him.
I can name several young musicians he has trained, encouraged and mentored…and seeks that they step into that spotlight.
While he fits the role of any performer that may have lights shining on them, Chris has given up seeking that to a great extent and has taught children to play musical instruments.
In spending time with him I hear him talk about them and their abilities and potential, their futures….and hardly at all about his own career.
He has spent years teaching others when most musicians of his looks and talent would have left their life to go seek fame in Nashville, Los, Angeles or whichever road they could find away from where they were to what they thought they wanted.
He stayed at home with his wife, raised his children, invested himself in the lives of others and today is a leading creative voice of influence at what may be the fastest growing Church in America.
He still plays.
The band he has been part of for many years is in demand locally.
That band has also been chosen several times by our State Department to globally travel the World to play and teach about American music.
He has had positive influence around the world because of his gifts and talents.
What greater thing could be said of any person?
If you know Chris you cannot help but love him.
In the years I have known him I have never heard one negative comment about him.
Again….what better comment about a man?
There are people in our lives who amaze us because of what we see them do. Chris Griffin amazes crowds with what he does.
I write this comment about Chris Griffin this morning because he has always and still does….amaze me with simply who he is.
While he could be chasing a stage where notoriety would be fast and furious ….he has given up that chase for lasting and eternal things which do not fade quickly.
My days have been blest with his gifts, his friendship, his time.
I heard him before I saw him.
While his sound was out front, he was a bit behind the scenes.
When he has been out front, I have seen him force the gift he has been given to get the attention more than he, himself.
He possesses a character I seek to grow into even though I outnumber him in years.
As I have heard his gifts and seen the full use of his abilities…
my highest compliment would be to say that those things have blest me with a great friend…. and have drawn me closer to my Lord.
Terry
April, 2016
Terry Bethea 