Please welcome Suzanne Woods Fisher!
A few years ago, I was staying in a nice hotel-very safe, oriented to business clientele. As I went into an elevator, a hotel employee came in behind me. He waited until I pressed a button for my floor, then he smiled, as if that was just the floor he needed. Something just didn’t seem right. In my head.an alarm bell went off. You know the feeling-the hair on the back of your neck rises, your heart starts pounding. Confined in a moving elevator, I wasn’t sure what to do. As soon as the elevator doors opened, I hurried to my room and locked the door. (Looking back, I should have stayed in the elevator and gone right back down to the lobby.)
Each of the rooms in this hotel had a small box near the door, kind of a large mail chute-to deliver a newspaper, mail or messages, leave shoes to be shined, that sort of thing. Through the peephole of the door, I saw this employee kneel and peer into each mail chute. I wasn’t sure if he was checking to see if someone was alone, or maybe watching women as they dressed, or who knew what else was on his mind. Clearly, he wasn’t picking up shoes to shine or delivering newspapers. I called security right away to report him. Thankfully, nothing happened to me, but the point was . . . I sensed that something didn’t feel right seconds after the employee walked into the elevator.
Before I began the ‘Inn at Eagle Hill’ series, I happened to watch a segment that showed how women needed to learn to listen to their instincts to keep them safe in social situations. The point of the study was that a woman’s first instinct in a dangerous situation was probably the right one. Unfortunately, trained to be polite, women tend to override or ignore that internal warning system. Like I did, in that elevator.
So I wanted to create a character who listened to her intuition and acted on it. That character ended up being Naomi King, an essential but background figure in the first two stories of the series (The Letters, The Calling)-which was just the way Naomi liked things. But in the third book, The Revealing, Naomi has the spotlight turned on her and we find she is a woman of great depth. Early in the story, she listens to her intuition despite the fact that doing so creates all kinds of conflict and turmoil-for her and for others. Standing up against societal pressure is never easy, especially when it involves those you love and respect. Even more difficult for a quiet and compliant Amish woman. But Naomi holds firm-and it turns out, her intuition is spot-on.
What are your thoughts about intuition? Do you think of it as a hunch, a gut feeling, common sense, a learned experience, or Something More? Perhaps you’ve had a moment like mine . . . when you heeded your intuition. Or wished you had.
I think of intuition as that still, small voice that takes practice to listen to and to recognize (John 10:4). But what a difference it makes.
Please leave a comment and enter to win a copy of Suzanne’s newest release, The Revealing!
One week only, USA only.
BIO: Suzanne Woods Fisher is the bestselling author of ‘The Stoney Ridge Seasons’ and ‘The Lancaster County Secrets‘ series, as well as nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace.
She is a Christy award finalist and a Carol award winner. Her interest in the Anabaptist culture can be directly traced to her grandfather, who was raised in the Old German Baptist Brethren Church in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Suzanne hosts the blog Amish Wisdom, and has a free downloadable app, , that delivers a daily Penn Dutch proverb to your smart phone.
She lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area. You can find Suzanne on-line at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com. She loves to hear from readers!
Congratulations to last week’s 3 winners: LeAnn M., Rachael K., and Dawn C.! Each may choose one copy of Leaving Lancaster, Pennsylvania Patchwork, or newly released Forever Amish! I will email you. Thank you, to everyone who entered! I enjoy reading your comments!
You’re both favorite authors so would welcome each of your books.
Still awaiting Forever Amish.
Hi Loretta! Now here’s a familiar name to me! Grateful for your encouraging words, Loretta. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. Warmly, Suzanne
At timesI have had hunches about situations in life. My oldest draught ear was dating a man which I had a feeling he was going to be a bad relationship. He was very selfish. I was thankful she came to the same conclusion.
Hi Suzanne,I would just like to say ,your book looks very interesting .I think your intuition is a gut feeling ,something that says ,do or don’t do something.I’ve had those moments and not always made the right choice,when I should have listened to my gut feeling.I believe it’s always right.I hope I win your book but wheather I do or don’t ,I’m sure it will be wonderful.
Thank you for giving us the chance to win.Sincerely ,Linda
Hi Linda! Your comment resonated with me: At times, I have listened to that gut instinct…and there have been times when I have ignored it. It’s an interesting thing to ponder! Even to talk about with our daughters and friends. Hope you win a copy of the book, Linda! Thanks for stopping by Kate’s blog. Warmly, Suzanne
trusting your first instant has served me well. Although people with no common sense just astound me with the ideas they come up with. Being without faith it’s a 50/50 outcome, you might as well flip a coin…
Deanna S…loved that insight! You’re right about the 50-50 outcome. Faith is the difference. Thanks for commenting! Warmly, Suzanne
I learned a while back to listen to my “intuition”, or God’s urging. When the feeling is so strong I have to DO something, I know to act on it!
So smart of you, Theresa, to recognize that warning! Thanks for chiming in. Warmly, Suzanne
Congratulations to the lucky winners.
Thanks, Juanita!
Hello Suzanne,
Intuition is a feeling when you just know what choice to make or that something is going on that is not right. I believe it is a “gut feeling” that you have and no other person can change your mind. You just “know.”
BTW……you are a very talented author and I hope you continue to write for many many years! Thanks!
I agree, Karen…you just “know.” It doesn’t always make sense at the time, but it does later on. Thanks for sharing your thought and thank you for those lovely words of encouragement! Warmly, Suzanne
I wish I consistenly listened to that still, small voice. All too often I fret and talk myself out of supposed insanity. I know God won’t give up on me though; He’s teaching me to trust and obey.(o:
Oh Kathryn–I understand what you mean. So glad you are learning to trust God in a deeper way. Day by day! Warmly, Suzanne
Intuition is God’s gift to mankind to help him/her make good choices and decisions. Intuition also helps us in times of crisis that could involve safety vs danger. Many times we choose our path using our intuition. Intuition comes to our aid, sticks with us through thick and thin and does not desert us if we choose to ignore it. It is a silent “best friend.”
Loved that, Mercedes–a silent best friend. Awesome phrase! Thank you for adding that. Warmly, Suzanne
I am so grateful for God’s blessings of intuition and heavenly promptings! I think we can practice tuning into it and the more we respond to promptings, the easier it is to recognize them in the future. Thanks for the giveaway! I love this series!
So true, Heidi. Tuning in to that voice takes practice! Great point. Warmly, Suzanne
I think everyone should listen to their intuition. Just as there is a reason everything happens maybe it is telling you not to do something that will end up being bad for you. Keep writing these wonderful books!
Thanks, Ellen! I’m just about to start a new series, so your encouragement is appreciated! And I like your perspective on intuition, too. Thanks for commenting! Warmly, Suzanne
I’m glad nothing happened to you. I heard on TV this morning about a new scam, putting fake menus under your hotel room door. When you order food, they grab your information, including your credit card number. I thought I was safe at a hotel. No more.
Wow, Judy…I haven’t heard of that! It’s awful to have to feel so suspicious when you’re traveling. Generally, travel is such a positive and stretching experience. Thanks for sharing that tip. Warmly, Suzanne
Nor had I, Judy and Suzanne! Having had items stolen from hotels and from the safe in my ship’s room (going to Canada) I don’t feel secure when traveling. It pays to listen to that inner voice …
Intuition is usually right-on and if not it’s always best to be cautious. Glad you are safe. I’m a fan of your books! Thanks for the opportunity to win! Linda
Hi there, Linda M! So fun to see familiar faces! You’ve been a wonderful support. I’m more grateful than I can say, Linda! Warmly, Suzanne
would love to win this book
Good luck, Valerie!
I love every book that (I’ve read from both of yous.
May God continue to bless you both.
Thanks, Lisa, for those encouraging words! For both Kate and for me. So kind! Warmly, Suzanne
I am looking forward to reading this book! Thank you for a chance to win. ~Blessings~
Good luck, Lisa!
I’m not sure I have any intuition at all because I am wary of just about everyone and everything. My late husband, however, (a policeman) had the BEST intuition at judging people and their character. He was rarely wrong about things like that. Wish I had some of that!
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I think it is a whisper from God to warn us to be careful.I am glad for these small voices.Thanks for sharing the post.I enjoy your posts and pictures,
Hi Jackie! Why…I know you! And I agree with your insight about that small voice. Or…Voice?! Thanks for stopping by! Warmly, Suzanne
It sounds like a good book. 🙂
Thanks, Ann!
Yes i believe in listening to your gut instinct. I think it has kept me out of what i believe would have been a bad situation. I have always tried to instill that in my kids as well.
I can’t wait to read this series. I loved your Stoney Ridge series and you Lancaster county secrets. Thanks for sharing your talent with us readers. God bless, Lisa
Lisa–Would love to know more about your experience with gut instinct (unless it’s too personal. I understand that!). Thanks for commenting and for your kind words about my books. Means a lot to me! Warmly, Suzanne
Thank you, Suzanne Woods Fisher, for being my honored guest! I loved your post, which shouldn’t surprise me as I admire all your writing!
I think common sense and experience. Glad your experience at that hotel turned out well.
I look forward to reading your book.
Thanks, Janice! Hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
I am looking forward to reading The Revealing!Thank you for the opportunity to win.I enjoy reading your books.Have a wonderful week.
Hi Emma! Good luck–hope you win! Warmly, Suzanne
Just finished the book last night , it was great ! Will you be telling Bethany an Jimmy Fishers story later?
Hi Cathy! Just starting a new series now…glad to know which characters you might like to know more about! It helps to get feedback. Thanks for reading my book! Warmly, Suzanne
I think intuition is a combination of several things. I like to think that my own is from a gut feeling and past experience. I love your writing Suzanne.
Thanks, Maryann! Your comment means more to me than I can say! Suzanne
It is amazing how smart and intuitive individuals stop listening to their instincts or intuition and bow to social mores in situations like yours. ..we need to listen more to our intuition. ..love your stories!
Thanks, Anne, for your comment and for your encouraging words! Glad you dropped by! Warmly, Suzanne
So nice to see this interaction between different authors. Very nice interview!
Thanks, Sonja! Kate does a lovely job of keeping up a relevant blog. Warmly, Suzanne
Who wouldn’t be thrilled to have Suzanne as her guest, Sonja?
I think intuition is the result of a gut feeling you have. When you are alone, you have to be cautious and pay attention to those feelings. I would rather ere on the side of caution.
Kathy–You bring up a great point about erring on the side of caution. Thanks for adding that! Warmly, Suzanne
I love both of your books and am a fan of both of yours. Sharma Darby
Thanks, Sharma! I thought I recognized your name! Glad you stopped in. Warmly, Suzanne
I think we need to trust that gut feeling and not worry about being nice. Looking forward to reading this book.
Smiling at your comment, Ola! You said it well…don’t worry about being nice! Warmly, Suzanne
I think that trusting our gut is important, because as others already said, I feel it is God speaking to us in that “still soft voice”. As I travel constantly w/ my husband for his work, I’m often in and out of a hotel room by myself during the day & I feel it is very important for us, as women, to be very careful. Thanks for the opportunity to win your book. You have created a curiosity about it now–MUST READ! 😉
Vicki
Vicki–You bring up a very good point about women/traveling/being careful. Thank you! Suzanne
Wow, that is such a scary thing to have happen to you. You think you are in a safe place and let your guard down to relax and realize that is not the situation at all. That happened to me when we moved into a new home. I was by myself with my two young children. It was night and we were all sleeping. It was winter and there was a lot of snow. Someone knocked on the door!! I waited and looked out and he was walking down the street. I have no idea of his intentions or why he knocked on my door, but I am very glad he left.
Karen–You were smart to pay attention to your instinct in that situation. Glad all was OK! Suzanne
Good tips and conversation. God blesses us all.
Thank you for the giveaway.
So true, Phyllis! God is the one who has given us that blessing of instinct. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Warmly, Suzanne
Sometimes I listen to that feeling and other times that I should have and did not.
Oh I can’t wait to read this one. I am intrigued!!
I have learned over the last 54 years of my life that is better to listen to that inner voice. Being raised in the South I was taught to be polite but there comes a time when politeness has to go out the window and if the situation doesn’t feel right then it more than likely is not. I know God gives us that inner voice. 🙂
I feel the same way, listen to your inner self it is usually right. When I am feeling as if something is not right I try to remove myself as fast as I can from the situation. I would love to read this book! I love how you learn from things in real life and write about it.
I was one that was taught to be a polite young lady. I teach my girls to listen to that inner voice!
I believe we all have intuition, and for believers, we can also be prompted by the Holy Spirit. I’ve always had an intuition for reading people. I’ve met a few people who had something “off” about them. The best I could describe it was “beady eyes”. In all of the cases where I thought that, they tribes out to be pretty bad people.
I am so glad everything turned out okay for you that night, she most surely was an angel their to keep you safe. I had something similar happen to me when I was nineteen, I was sleeping and I heard someone pounding on my door, except my person at the door was the police and my apartment was surrounded. My angel was my elderly neighbor lady who was taking her dog out for the last time and she happened to look up and saw someone trying to get in my windows.. She went in and called the police. I had company the rest of the night, a police officer stayed with me the rest of the night, just in case he came back.