"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise Him."
Psalms 28:7
(KJV)
The sweet lady who is sharing her Inner Views with us today is beautiful both inside and out.
She has a deep love for God and her family and is such a blessing to the world of Southern Gospel Music.
My family and I were recently blessed to see her in Myrtle Beach,
and she so graciously granted my request for an interview.
(KJV)
The sweet lady who is sharing her Inner Views with us today is beautiful both inside and out.
She has a deep love for God and her family and is such a blessing to the world of Southern Gospel Music.
My family and I were recently blessed to see her in Myrtle Beach,
and she so graciously granted my request for an interview.
It is with joy that I bring to you the
Susan Whisnant.
Cheryl: Please tell us about yourself.
Susan: I was born in Lancaster, SC to Roland and Carol Dry. My dad became a pastor when I was 8 years old, so I was blessed to be raised in a pastor’s home. I began singing with my mom and dad when I was 12. We did revivals and Saturday night concerts. I actually met Jeff Whisnant at a concert that we sang at in SC. We began dating a year later and have just celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. I loved to sing but never dreamed it would be something I could/would do for my living.
Cheryl: How did you come to know Jesus? Who introduced you to Him? How has He changed your life?
Susan: I asked Christ into my heart at the age of five. We were actually getting ready for church on a Sunday morning... I remember my dad was shaving in the bathroom... I asked him how I could ask Jesus into my heart... he picked me up, put me on the counter and told me! I’m so thankful that I gave my heart to Christ as a child. I rededicated my life to Him at 16 and surrendered to whatever He wanted in my life.
Cheryl: When did you first realize that God has blessed you with the talent to sing?
Susan: My parents had a Quartet called The Melody Singers that traveled every weekend. I sang my first solo at age 5. I knew then, that this was what I wanted to do.
Susan: When I met Jeff, I was singing with my family, and he was singing with his. We started dating and after about a year, we realized we would spend our life together. Two years after we were married, in 1990, we surrendered to a “full-time” ministry in music. That was not an easy decision for us as Jeff worked as an accountant, and I was an executive secretary at a bank. We just knew that God had opened the doors, and we wanted to walk through them. We’ve never regretted a mile!!
Cheryl: How did God make it apparent that Jeff was the man He intended for you to marry?
Susan: We met in SC and didn’t date for a year. Our first date was on July 4th weekend. I actually came home and told my parents I would marry him. It took him a little longer but..... oh well!! God is good!
Cheryl: What do you most enjoy doing when you are off stage and experiencing a normal day?
Susan: When we’re home, I love to drive my car... doesn’t even matter where... that is so relaxing to me! I also love getting with our friends and going to eat.... spending time together!
Cheryl: As you look back over your years singing for the Lord, what is one of the most meaningful demonstrations of the Holy Spirit's work that you have experienced during a concert?
Susan: The night we surrendered to a “full-time” ministry was definitely a work of the Holy Spirit that all three of us heard loudly! We had battled with this decision for 2 years... knowing God was leading us in that direction, but we were too afraid. We were comfortable, and family was pushing us away from that decision. However, we were standing on stage in Spartanburg, SC singing, “I Want A Servant’s Heart," and we all three looked at each other and said, “It’s time.” We had no clue how/what God was gonna do. We just finally said "YES," and He took care of all the rest.
Cheryl: Who has been most influential in your personal walk with Jesus? How has this person impacted you the most?
Susan: My mom and dad have been the most influential in my walk with Christ. God has so blessed them as they have been obedient to the Lord, even when it didn’t make sense. They had no one to help them in their early life, and they totally depended on Christ and His sufficiency to get through each day. They’ve been married 60 years and have taught me to trust Christ in all things.
Cheryl: As a Christian wife and mother who is involved in full-time ministry, how do you maintain a sense of balance in your life? What do you most often do when you are feeling overwhelmed by the many hats you are expected to wear? What advice can you offer other women who are struggling?
Susan: Wow... being a mom with other responsibilities can most often be overwhelming. I was blessed to homeschool my two boys who are now 23 and 20, and it’s definitely easier since those years are behind us. I would do it all over again just so they could be with us and enjoy being on the road. When I get overwhelmed, I walk and pray... maybe listen to one of my favorite CDs...most often, I just have to be quiet and listen.
Cheryl: What would you identify as being one of the main challenges of being in a position of front-line ministry where it can feel that you are being held to a higher standard than those whose Christian walk/ministry is less visible?
Susan: Well, the Bible says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” We are to let our light shine daily... whether we’re on stage or at Walmart. I take that very seriously! If we’re serving the Lord, it really doesn’t matter what level we’re on, we are to stay faithful! Is that easy? No! I think people do hold others that are more visible to a “higher standard,” and truthfully I think that’s ok! I always want to encourage those that are coming up and help them realize the importance of representing Christ in everything we do! People are always watching, and we have to be careful.... when we think no one is watching.... someone is!!!
Cheryl: How many singing engagements do you accept per year? What are some of the hardest parts of being on the road and away from home?
Susan: We do about 180 dates per year which take us away from home approximately 200 days. The hardest part is leaving family behind.
Cheryl: If there was one thing you had the power to change about the Christian music industry, what would it be?
Susan: I’m not sure of the changes I would make.... would love to see people realize that it’s a privilege to serve the Lord. We’re not doing God any favors because we stand and sing... if we don’t do it, He has someone else that can/will. We should never take an opportunity for granted.
Cheryl: As the culture that surrounds us becomes more hostile toward God, His Word, and Christianity, how do you stay encouraged? Are there particular Scriptures, songs, books, or other resources you turn to in times of discouragement?
Susan: We are definitely living in a difficult time. Christians are persecuted and made fun of. People that don’t know Christ need to see it lived out in front of them... the old saying “your life may be the only Bible some people will ever read” is probably truer now than ever. I try and stay in the Word. We, as a family, listen to preaching in our car...it’s very important that we feed our souls while we’re off the stage.
Cheryl: What is one of the darkest times you have lived through? How did your faith in God sustain you during that time? What were some of the most effective ways members of the Body of Christ reached out to you and helped you through the darkness?
Susan: I have had some vocal trouble in the past and you want to talk about scary!! I’m very thankful for the prayers and advice of my friends in this industry that have loved me and encouraged me to keep pressing on.
Cheryl: What is your favorite Whisnants' song?
Susan: My favorite Whisnant's song is probably...“Even In The Valley.” Honestly, that’s hard because there are so many that I love.
Susan: I have co-written 4 songs that are on my solo projects.
Cheryl: What are some of the items still remaining on your bucket list?
Susan: I really don’t have a “bucket list” per se. I just want to watch my kids continue to grow, get married, and start their own family and see how God continues to use us all together.
Cheryl: What is your biggest regret, and what would you most like to have the chance to do over?
Susan: No regrets.
Cheryl: How can we pray for you, your family, and your ministry?
Susan: Pray that God will continue to keep His hand on us as we travel and try to point people to Christ. Also, in this day, pray that God will continue to help us encourage others in their walk with Christ. We live in a different day... people are struggling.
Thank you ever so much, Susan, for sharing your heart with us!
May God continue to protect and bless you, your family, and your ministry!
Dear friends, please take a few moments to stop by The Whisnants' website,
where you can learn more about them, buy products, and support their ministry.
And, please keep them in your prayers as they travel and share the good news of Jesus' love.
In closing, this is my all-time favorite Whisnants' song.
I can't count the times this song has ministered to me.
I hope it blesses you, too!
I can't count the times this song has ministered to me.
I hope it blesses you, too!
To read previous
click the links below.
Enjoyed her testimony. Beautiful woman of God. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your visit and kind words! Many hugs and blessings back to you, sweet friend!
DeleteI so appreciate people who share the love of God through music. It reaches us in places that words alone cannot!
ReplyDeleteOh, you are so right, Lisa! Such true words. God bless you, my friend. :)
DeleteWhat a beautiful testimony she shared of how God prepared her for ministry. I truly love listening to her songs and her music, she has a beautiful voice! I enjoyed listening to the song you shared, what a blessing it is to know that even in the valley God is good!!! I always enjoy your interview Cheryl and learn so much from each person that you interview!! Praying for you and your sweet family that the Lord continues to bless, direct and keep you safe in His hands!
ReplyDeleteThank you ever so much for your kind words and most of all, your prayers. Your support, encouragement, and friendship are dear to my heart. Praying faithfully for you, too! God bless you!
DeleteDear Cheryl you certainly have a heart of gold to share these testimonies with your readers. This was a beautiful example of how God has worked in the life of Susan and her family. Thank you for sharing dear friend.
ReplyDeleteAnd, thank you ever so much for your support and encouragement, dear friend! God bless you for always lifting my spirits and being so faithful. I got your sweet email and will write you back real soon, Lord willing. Sending hugs your way!
DeleteThank you for sharing the testimony and beautiful words and voice of Susan, my friend. What a comfort to listen as I write my comment to you on this beautiful, but rainy morning here. Praying for you.....xo
ReplyDeleteOh, I am so thankful it ministered to you, sweet friend! I am so grateful for your visit and most of all your prayers. I am faithfully praying for you, too, and sending many hugs your way!
DeleteLove this testimony! Praying for her safety as she travels.
ReplyDeleteThank you, sweet friend! I hope all is well with you and Tom. Praying for you and sending hugs your way!
DeleteCheryl, thank you for this interview! It's really neat to get to know new people!
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading, Leslie! God bless you!
DeleteWhat a wonderful interview!
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful questions to show the heart and gifts from God in one of His gifted children.
I always so appreciate the humility of gifted people who serve our Father. Susan is the real deal.
I'm praying for Susan and her husband's ministry, and yours, sister.
Thank you, brother! Your support and encouragement mean so much to us! God bless you!
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