In this heartfelt conversation, Susan Fisher reflects on a life shaped by faith, family, service, and intentional presence. From her years in retail leadership and ministry at Frazer Church to the quieter joys of retirement, Susan shares the wisdom she has gained through seasons of joy, difficulty and transition. She opens up about learning to “linger,” loving people well in everyday moments, navigating cancer twice, and embracing a slower, more meaningful rhythm of life. As she and her husband Sam prepare for a new chapter closer to family in Pike Road, Susan offers a refreshing perspective on aging well, staying active, and living with an eternal focus.
BOOM!: You’ve described this season of life as being centered around “loving well”—God, family, friends, and even strangers. What does loving people well look like to you in everyday life?
Susan: Time and presence. We are all given the same minutes in a day, and it is so easy to build our days around what makes us happy or what we want to do, sometimes making no space for what really matters. Loving well in everyday life often looks smaller and quieter than we imagine. It is less about grand gestures and more about how I give my time, a steady presence, attention, and care woven into ordinary moments.
It looks like listening without interrupting. Remembering what someone said that mattered to them and asking about it later. Sitting down instead of rushing past. Making room for another person’s story, even when I had other plans. When a need arises, being willing to change my plans and go or make that call.
I love the quote by Vincent DePaul, “If God is the center of your life, no words are necessary. Your mere presence will touch hearts.”
It looks like patience in the middle of inconvenience – answering kindly when the other person doesn’t, offering grace when someone disappoints us, choosing understanding over being right.
It is the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in me that enables me to love well in everyday life.
BOOM!: You and Sam have built a beautiful life together with four adult children and grandchildren. What has been one of the greatest joys of this stage of family life?
Susan: Being spontaneous! I know that may sound strange, but I have always been a planner and paper calendar person, and that has carried over in retirement. The joy comes from unexpected opportunities to spend time with family that I would not have had before because of my work schedule. For example, a day trip with my daughter to Scotts in Atlanta for fun, volunteering at our grandson’s school,helping with the set-up of our daughter-in-law’s spa, discipling our young adult grandchildren, birthday lunches, and last-minute trips to Birmingham for activities or a meal with our son and his family. Early morning drop-ins for a hug, a listening ear, or prayer. These are a few of the things that fill my cup and bring me joy in our family life.
BOOM!: You are preparing to move to Pike Road to be closer to family. What are you hoping to gain from living nearer to them, and are there other things drawing you to this next season and community?
Susan: Our kids have been begging us to move for a while. I think part of the push for them is that they don’t want to clean out our house of 30 years if something happens to us. I say that jokingly, but there is truth there. Two of our four adult children live in Pike Road with four of our grandchildren. The ten-year-old twins say all the time, “Susi and Sampaw, we could come see you any time for a snack, visit, or sleepover if you lived in The Waters.” We want to downsize the yard and space. Sam loves to fish, so all the lakes are enticing to him. We also have many friends who live in this community, and it would make it easier for us to spend time with them, as well as build new relationships.
BOOM!: You had a successful career in retail leadership before eventually transitioning into ministry work at Frazer Church. Looking back, what prepared you for that shift?
Susan: Everything I did God used to prepare me for ministry. I say that with a humble and grateful heart. In the 20 years of retail (10 years, two different times), I had some amazing mentors, bosses, and peers who taught me a great deal about business, leadership, and people. The company I worked for no longer exists, but they made training and leadership development a priority for their upper-level leaders. They also appreciated us with recognition for a job well done and annual working retreats that refreshed and gave us the opportunity to interact with leadership from all over the country. The work I did as Operations and Regional Human Resources Director helped me know myself better and the importance of recognizing and adding value to people. Those whom I supervised and those I served in any of my positions were a gift to me. My priority was to help them be all God envisioned for them by knowing them, praying for them, speaking truth, encouraging, having hard conversations, supporting, and being present.
BOOM!: What was it about ministry work that felt meaningful and fulfilling to you in that season of life?
Susan: I knew I was being obedient to God’s calling on my life. A work in progress, leaning on the promises in Scripture, my own trials and experiences….God doesn’t waste what He allows us to walk through, and He will use it for His glory when we offer it back to Him. My pastors and leaders in Frazer saw something in me and knew where God was leading me before I did. Every aspect of my work in ministry shaped me and led me into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. Meetings, visioning, events, Bible Studies, committees, serving… were all meaningful, but nothing surpasses the relationships….the people, especially the women that I met along the way that I got to speak life into. Some needed help seeing the things in their lives that were keeping them from “living free” and learning how to let them go. Oh, what fulfillment there is in helping others take steps towards true freedom in Christ!
BOOM!: Whether in retail leadership, ministry, family, or friendships, you’ve always been known as someone who encourages and lifts others up. What drives that in you?
Susan: I believe God created masterpieces. Unfortunately, many people carry baggage, shame, poor self-esteem …and don’t realize the unconditional love of God. My dad was a beautiful example of showing kindness and loving all people. I like to listen more than talk and try to find out what people need and what they are going through. Tell them what I am hearing them say, and seek wisdom in how to respond. Meet them where they are, sit with them. I really try to put others before myself. Everyone can use a genuine word of encouragement on any given day.
BOOM!: You’ve battled cancer twice and come through it healthy and strong. How did those experiences reshape your perspective on life and what truly matters?
Susan: If anyone had asked me if I thought cancer would affect my life, I would have responded no…because I always felt good, even with the symptoms that led to my diagnosis both times. Both times, I felt my healing would come through surgery and treatment. In my spirit, I felt an assurance that this cancer would be part of my testimony and a platform to help and encourage others. It has opened doors for me to meet with strangers and friends. To share what I learned about food and our body’s ability to fight sickness. I know my part is to control/change the things that I can and to surrender it all to Jesus. We need to hold all things loosely…they are just on loan. My days are written in His book, my responsibility is to live them to the fullest by loving God, loving others, and keep an eternal perspective. No regrets.
BOOM!: You said aging well means being “a good steward of your mind, body, and soul.” What are some intentional ways you care for each of those areas today?
Susan: I start my day sitting with the Lord, talking to him, and reading Scripture. I keep my lists of prayers for others by my chair and pray through those. A few years ago, I added reading or listening to the Wake Up Call, and it starts with, “Jesus, I belong to you, I lift up my eyes to you, I set my mind on you, I fix my eyes on you, I offer my body to you as a living sacrifice.” That covers every part of me and prepares me for the day as I listen and worship.
I am much more aware of how food and water impact my mind and body. I drink 90 ounces of water a day, more than half my body weight. I drink a cup of warm lemon water most mornings, and I usually do a 12-16-hour food fast. I prefer to be done eating by 5:00 pm. I drink herbal teas and have added a cup of mushroom coffee. I make sure I am getting enough fiber and protein from a variety of foods.
Unfortunately, my weakness is sugar, and I am a work in progress, experimenting with healthy recipes to satisfy that desire. I try to do some form of exercise every day.
BOOM!: You’re a strong believer that our bodies were created for movement. What role have exercise and staying active played in your physical and emotional health over the years?
Susan: I have always loved different kinds of physical activity. Movement helps me think better, feel better, and sleep better. I choose to exercise daily. Sometimes it is a 5-7 minute low-impact cardio routine. I have a goal of walking 10,000 steps a day. It’s motivating to walk with a friend because there is accountability, it goes faster, and we encourage one another. Incorporating weights several times a week is important for building strength, especially in my hands. Sam and I love to dance, and if a song we like comes on, we will just get up and dance together. I like that it works the mind and body and lots of different muscle groups. What I am saying is that movement should be fun; it increases your heart rate, improves your cognitive skills, and improves your overall health. I know if we don’t move our muscles and bones, they will deteriorate at a faster rate as we age.
BOOM!: One thing you said when we first spoke was, “I have learned how to linger.” What have you discovered in slowing down enough to truly enjoy conversation, beauty, friendship, and everyday moments?
Susan: There is something quietly sacred about lingering. Not feeling the need to move every moment toward productivity or purpose. Lingering is allowing life to slowly unfold without hurrying. When afternoon coffee grows cold because conversation is too rich to leave, when silence between a friend or loved one feels full instead of empty. These are the spaces where connection deepens.
The soul rarely moves at the pace of a calendar. Beauty asks us to slow down long enough to notice it: the early morning sounds of birds singing, rose buds ready to burst into color, the sun breaking the early morning sky at its own pace, a familiar voice telling a familiar story, quietness…
Friendship grows in lingering moments. Some in grand celebrations, but also in ordinary afternoons stretched beyond my expectations. Sitting on a porch after sunset. Walking gingerly without a destination. Long conversations at dinner because no one is in a hurry to leave.
The slowing down has helped me to savor life instead of simply managing it.
BOOM!: A lot of people dream about retirement for years, but then struggle to know how to actually enjoy it. What has relaxation or rest looked like for you in this season? Have you learned to enjoy slower mornings, longer lunches, or a different rhythm of life?
Susan: Let’s say I am still a work in progress. July will be my one-year mark. I said earlier that I am a scheduled person and I like being productive. It has taken me almost a year to not feel guilty about reading for several hours at a time for no reason but enjoyment. I finally finished a few books I wanted to read. One of my biggest delights has been the slower mornings with my cup of tea, catching up with friends, and not rushing our conversation or writing notes to someone God put on my heart. I am enjoying sidewalk visits with our neighbors without watching the time.
BOOM!: You mentioned there were three things you wanted to do in retirement that you still haven’t started because life unfolded differently than expected. What has God been teaching you through that?
Susan: Yes, I had on my list…learn to play the piano, learn Spanish, and paint. I realize now those were all about me. I set up my paint and canvas a few months into retirement and still haven’t touched it. Clearly, God had a different plan. Family needs, friends to love and encourage, funerals, sickness, and starting a neighborhood prayer group, to name a few. I could hear God chuckling at me and saying tear that list up for now, I have a greater one that will impact lives for My glory. It made me reflect on Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” I am content to walk in His plan and purpose now and always.
BOOM!: What are some fun or unexpected things you’ve done in retirement that maybe you wouldn’t have made time for earlier in life?
Susan: I honestly enjoy every day; some are just better than others. The newest adventure is working estate sales with a new friend. This gives me an opportunity to help someone, meet new people, and learn more about antiques. While on staff at Frazer, most of my time was spent ministering to people in the church. This enables me to encounter people outside of my normal routines and encourage them. I also thought I would already be playing pickleball with a team, but I’m still looking forward to that happening.
BOOM!: After so many years in the River Region, what do you love most about living here and being part of this community?
Susan: I love the centrality of the River Region to places Sam and I like to go. We prefer to travel by car, so driving distance is key. Our favorite beaches and mountains are easily accessible. Family is close. The dear friendships we have developed. Frazer Church, where we have been actively worshiping and serving for almost 50 years. The diversity of cultures and people. The southern hospitality. The history.
BOOM!: What excites you most about the years ahead?
Susan: We want to continue living in such a way that our lives make a difference in someone else’s life. That our home will be a place of peace where the presence of the Spirit is felt from the moment you enter. The warmth around our table open to old and new friends, the ease of being fully known, the feeling of belonging without performance or pressure. Through our faith in God, our love, and the gift of hospitality, friends and strangers will know and be known in a deeper way.
There is still so much to see and do in our country. When we married in 1978, we began a bucket list to visit all the states. We have 6 left, mostly in the Midwest, so travel and the time to do it excites us.
Quick Take with Susan
- Favorite way to start the morning: Thanking God for the new day He has given me and going to my chair to meet with Him.
- A book you’ve lingered over recently: Theo of Golden and Beautiful Resistance
- Favorite local place to walk or unwind: The trail at AUM
- Best advice you’ve ever received: Add value to everyone I come in contact with.
- A simple joy you never take for granted: Family
- Favorite family tradition: Making a big deal out of birthdays
- Favorite way to spend a slow afternoon: Outside in the sun and fresh air, either working in my flower beds or reading a good book.
- Something retirement has taught you: Linger in the everyday moments.
- A word that describes this season of life: Abundant
Quick Take with We thank Susan for sharing her story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@riverregionboom.com.