• 5th Group Leading Generations Training December 2022

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

  • Quantico, VA Commanders Conference October 2022

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • Fort Hood, Tx Air CAV- Leading Generations Training May 2022

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

  • USASOC Senior Spouse Conference- Strengths & Leading Generations

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • Empowering Future Leaders at Quantico 2022

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • Fort Hood Chaplains: Leading Generations Training 2022

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

  • 1st Group Spouse Strengths Retreat

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • Empowering Future Leaders at Quantico 2021

    Leading The Next Generation: Pulled from over a decades amount of research, this new training on the impact of generational shifts on the military culture put a new perspective on leadership. Participants learned about generational differences, why families are not attending social and family readiness events, new ways to distribute information, and more.

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • PSYOPS Spouse Strengths Retreat

    Strengths Event: A fun, interactive event using the Gallup StrengthsFinder. Participants discover their unique strengths, learn to release and manage weaknesses, and value the differences of others.

  • 160th Fort Campbell, KY

    Reconnect 2.0: Using The 5 Minute Check-In©, participants will learn to use this powerful tool to process some of their deepest needs, experience the power of community, and communicate assertively.

  • Project Sanctuary Team Training 2021

    It has been an honor to create the new curriculum for couples and families that will attend Project Sanctuary retreats. I am proud of this organization and meeting/teaching the couples that will facilitate the new curriculum was inspiring & powerful. Getting to kayak down the Chattahoochee was just bonus (and a small taste of what PS does). If you are a family that is in need of respite and reconnection, Project Sanctuary’s retreats offer outdoor recreation, intentional care for kids and youth, and clinicians on hand for sessions when you need them. The new curriculum will launch 2022!!

  • Cannon Beach, OR with Hero’s Challenge

    Co-Sponsored with Heroes Challenge, a ministry that focuses on the emotional and spiritual wellbeing for our nation’s combat veterans, first responders, and their families. Heroes Challenge successfully deals with struggling individuals by providing mentors, strong support networks, and healthy goals. This conference is designed to honor our troops, first responders and their families and to provide a safe, relaxing environment with practical resources, supportive connections, and Biblical solutions.

  • Evolve- A Virtual Strengths Event April 2021

    I joined Pride and Grit for their first ever virtual strengths-based events fro season military spouses. It was a fantastic turnout and we inspired almost 80 “Seasoned” military spouses in their talent and purpose.

  • Corie Weathers Joins TACK-F

    FEBRUARY 3, 2021 IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    AMERICAN SNIPER WIFE EXPANDS FOUNDATION TO REACH U.S. MILITARY AND SERVICE COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19 CHALLENGING TIMES

    •  The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation – Service Family Strong, formerly known as the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, announced today that long-time foundation Ambassador, Corie Weathers has been named as the organization’s new National Clinical Director of Programming.
    • Founded by Taya Kyle in honor of her husband ‘American Sniper’ Chris Kyle, the Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation is devoted to serving the nation’s defenders, veterans, and first responders, by creating unique programs designed to enrich the marriage and family.
    • Executive Director, Taya Kyle enlisted Weathers at a pivotal growth point for the foundation, selected for her deep understanding of military and first responder culture as an advocate and licensed professional counselor spanning over 20 years. 

     “Corie brings an unmatched set of credentials to TACK-F and her own unique talents to serve the TACK-F mission.”, Taya Kyle shares.

    • The addition of Weathers comes after an even more challenging year for service families and the country. The global pandemic and national tension towards first responders has significantly increased the need for mental health support and innovative programming for those who have continued to serve and protect the nation without pause.

    “2020 was an incredibly difficult year for service families. Relocations, deployments, and the need for our first responders did not slow down for the pandemic.  If anything, it added more stress to an already exhausted community.” – says Corie Weathers

    • With COVID-19 restrictions still in place for many service members, TACK-F will provide resources accessible from home or while deployed for couples to access together. That also includes programming that will specifically be tailored for the spouses at home juggling the family.  

    “I am honored to join an amazing team that is dedicated to serve these families with evidenced-based resources that will restore and heal in some truly innovative ways. They deserve our very best and we aim to breathe life back into their home and family.” Weathers states.

    To learn more about the TACK-F mission for marriage, visit www.ckffdn.org

    To interview Taya Kyle or Corie Weathers, email: ANGELA BLAIR, ANGELA@CKFFDN.ORG W: 424.332.6319

    ABOUT TAYA KYLE:   Taya Kyle is an American author and military veteran’s family activist. Known as the widow of US Navy SEAL Chris Kyle, she was portrayed by Sienna Miller in the 2014 film American Sniper about her husband’s life. Kyle is the author of American Wife and American Spirit. She also launched a jewelry brand bridging fashion and faith in 2020, Warrior Collections.

    ABOUT TACK-F:      The Taya and Chris Kyle Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by Taya Kyle to honor the life and legacy of her husband, “American Sniper” Chris Kyle. Chris and Taya knew first-hand the challenges military families encounter from their lives of service. They experienced their own trials as both individuals and as a couple and were blessed to know many other couples in both the military and first responder communities. Prior to Chris’ untimely passing in February 2013, he was developing his vision for TACK-F programs to support military and first responder communities. Today, Taya and the team are fulfilling Chris’ vision through the development and delivery of life-changing, impactful programs and services to support communities across our nation.

    ABOUT CORIE WEATHERS:    Corie has spent over 20 years in the mental health field serving primarily military and first responder families. In 2015, Corie was named the 2015 Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year where she advocated for mental health issues and served as a media correspondent writing online and print publications, consulting for command teams, and speaking to groups on issues like PTSD, grief, and marriage. Weathers also traveled with the Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter overseas in 2016 visiting troops in Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Persian Gulf. Corie authored Sacred Spaces: My Journey to the Heart of Military Marriage and has devoted her time encouraging families through her inspirational podcast, traveling globally to speak to military spouses, and helping service organizations build sustainable, high quality, programming that makes a true impact.

  • 75th Ranger Couple’s Virtual Date Night- May 2020

    With COVID changing many people’s plans, but 75th was still going to make date nights a possibility. 20 couples showed up virtually for a talk on Conflict reduction and Communication. The night ended with Q & A where additional topics like reintegration tips and personality differences were addressed.

  • 75th Ranger Couple’s Virtual Date Night- May 2020

    75th continued to be bound and determined to not let their couples face COVID lockdowns without a date night. Chaplains got creative and set up a way to have couples go pick up food from a local restaurant and return home for a virtual event. The event lasted 2 hours where we covered reintegration tips for reconnecting after deployment and communication styles. We talked about the importance of setting boundaries in marriage and how to ask for what you need with assertiveness rather than resorting to aggressive or passive aggressive talk.

  • Milspouse Fest March, 2020 Texas

    It was the last big trip before COVID-19 completely changed our lives. Texas was already beginning to see cases, but Milspouse Fest was already scheduled and spouses were in great anticipation. This year’s theme was “Together”…

    I also had a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with a High School friend of mine- also named Corie and a military spouse, WHAT?!?

  • 75th Ranger Regiment February 2020

    What an honor to walk the 75th Ranger Regiment spouses through a StrengthsFinder event! Spouses came with an intention to come and take care of themselves. So many spouses struggle to; know what brings them joy and the Strengths workshop reveals that they have more coping skills and talents than they thought.

    The group got to know themselves in a positive way, feel encouraged by talents they bring to their marriage and noticing the gifts in those around them. We also took sometime to decompress and process the stress of the lifestyle and its impact on them and their marriage.

    The next evening we enjoyed a date night out at Jarfly where couples took the risk to walk through an exercise I led them through sitting knee to knee with their spouse. Always my favorite part- seeing couples reconnect when they have felt like ships passing in the night.

    Reach out for opportunities to bring a workshop or speaking engagement to your group!

  • Ranger Reintegration Workshop January 2020

    This event was a dream come true. When my good friends Brittany Boucher and Krista Simpson-Anderson came to me with the idea of us leading a workshop together I jumped at the opportunity. These two are amazing and bring a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. Brittany sharing on her experience as a caregiver of a service member with TBI and Krista sharing how she has brought joy into her life after becoming a God Star is nothing but inspiring.

    Our desire for the event was to give spouses a chance to not only decompress from an intense deployment, but also gain some new strategies for reintegration. Brittany taught on the importance of self-care and fulfilling a personal sense of purpose and Krista shared that no matter what you go through you can rise above and still have a wonderful life. Care team training is always a tough topic, but crucial to our ability to face fears and lean on our community.

  • The Army Has Introduced a New Leadership Value. Here’s Why It Matters

    (As seen on Military.com)

    Corie Weathers is a clinical consultant and subject matter expert on leadership and culture for service organizations and academic institutions. Her family is stationed at Fort Leavenworth, where her spouse, an Army chaplain, is a student. 

    Humility.

    Straight out of the classrooms and lecture halls of the Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) and School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, comes a word that is meant to inspire a new kind of leadership. Jim Collins, author of “From Good to Great,” spoke to 1,200 future military leaders about his decades of research on what influences the most successful companies and institutions. 

    The distinguishing factor of the most successful organizations and those just below them, he shared, comes down to having what he calls a “Level 5 Leader.” While “Level 4 leaders” have effective leadership skills but are more focused on their own egos, Collins describes Level 5 leaders as those who take responsibility when the institution suffers. He pointed to those who sustain the institution when it succeeds. In other words, it all comes down to a leader’s ego. 

    “Humility” has since become a point of conversation within the school and among families in the community. Recent changes to Army doctrine on leadership development sparked dialogue, as humility was introduced alongside empathy as necessary leadership attributes. And it’s in the service’s doctrine. “A leader with the right level of humility is a willing learner, maintains accurate self-awareness, and seeks out others’ input and feedback,” according to Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-22.

    What, then, does it mean to lead America’s military and care for its families with humility?

    At the 2019 Association of the United States Army conference, then-acting Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy and Army Chief of Staff Gen. James C. McConville announced that people would be their number one priority as the service’s top leaders. How do they aim to do that? Empower the force by providing members with more autonomy, and model humility by promoting the overall health of the people as the strength of the organization. Rather than dismissing families by putting “the needs of the Army first,” McCarthy and McConville modeled the power of conversation at the conference. In essence, one could see this as an attempt at Level 5 Leadership. 

    McCarthy and McConville are publicly addressing topics such as how people are managed, seeing value in talent as well as issues that affect the family like housing, permanent change-of-station moves, spouse employment, child care and more. 

    The Army’s new talent management system is an excellent example of how one change can impact almost every goal on the service’s list at once. The Assignment Interactive Module version 2, or AIM 2.0, rolled out this year as an online portal for service members to advertise their knowledge and skills by uploading a resume and rank preferences for their next assignment. Meanwhile, units across the globe assessed their needs and searched the portal for individuals who met them. Affectionately referred to as “The Marketplace,” the portal acts as a sort of Match.com for the military. In other words, military families were given more control over their future than ever before.

    Fort Leavenworth families are experiencing this new marketplace first-hand as its more than 1,200 families await new assignments, as happens every December. In the months leading up to assignment distribution, soldiers were encouraged to sit down with their spouses and complete their profile in the marketplace. In case anyone questioned the new idea or the ability of leaders to follow through, McCarthy issued a directive that everyone, every branch, was expected to utilize AIM 2.0 in their assignments process — no exceptions in order to test the first phase of the launch. 

    Access to child care; medical needs; the spouse’s future career opportunities and more could finally be considered as soldiers accessed the portal for open assignments and ranked opportunities that would best serve career and family. Transparency was introduced in a once-bureaucratic system, where families previously could only submit three top location preferences and wait for someone they didn’t know behind a desk to determine their future.

    While AIM 2.0 does not guarantee that a family will get their preference, it did create more conversation than ever before between the soldier and the units they desire to work with. At Fort Leavenworth, students and their spouses attended parties and networking events, and unit commanders looking for talent openly interviewed candidates. Conversations turned into handshakes. Handshakes often turned into orders. 

    So what was the response from spouses on this new approach to the assignments process?  After all, McConville and McCarthy are publicly acknowledging the stress of PCS moves on families and marriages. 

    While much of Fort Leavenworth still awaits actual orders, leaders are strongly encouraging spouses to participate in the process. Being one step removed from their family’s destiny is perhaps a spouse’s most stressful experience, especially when the possibility of secondary income, support, school options for children and more are dependent on where the next assignment is. 

    “Whether we get our first pick or not, participating in the decision process as a couple, the ability to network with assignments that actually want us there and having a say in whether it is a place that is good for our family, improves morale and faith in the institution as a whole once again,” one spouse said. 

    The new AIM system may not give the family their first choice, but it does offer a strong possibility of getting one of their picks. 

    Non-military experts are also highlighting the importance of humility in leadership.

    Steven Covey, son of leadership expert Franklin Covey, introduced “Speed of Trust” as a way for organizations to develop high-trust leaders. The curriculum is used by the Army’s chaplain Corps at marriage retreats. Respect is one of the 13 traits that describes those leaders. 

    Researcher Paul Zak then examined the neuroscience of trust by studying the levels of oxytocin (or “trust hormone”) and following up with a behavioral study of more than 2,000 employees across different companies. Some of his findings? That individuals would rather trade a 20% pay raise for more autonomy over their work and the ability to choose where they use their talents and apply their energy. That’s something research company Gallup has also long investigated and proven as a way to increase productivity while also raising morale.

    This recent pilot launch in the Army system can restore faith in the service’s leaders, but only if leaders authentically share in McConville’s intent. Every military family has experienced the tyranny of serving under a Level 4 leader, but the new message coming from the top builds hope and encourages loyalty in younger generations who rightfully question blind loyalty. After all, we are learning as a society that the very best leaders are those who can trust those they have worked hard to raise up. 

    In the words of Star Wars’s Master Yoda, “We are who they grow beyond, that is the burden of the Master.” 

    Humility, as it turns out, is not a vulnerability. It is a necessity in warfare. To raise up the very best on the battlefield, you must know what drives them beyond love of country. It is to value their love of the family for whom they fight. To settle for anything less is to hit a personal ceiling as a Level 4 leader and risk the entire organization.

  • MilspouseFest San Diego, CA Nov 2019

    My recent partnership with MilspouseFest has been wonderful and honestly, full of FUN. Most events that I do are deep, meaningful, and leverage more of my clinical skills of processing. MilspouseFest invited me to join them for some events in 2019 and 2020 as a keynote speaker and emcee. The events are fast paced, full of resources, and so many giveaways! We move fast but have a great time. Events are in the evening and morning so spouses can attend what works for them.

    San Diego was special because my Dad flew in from Georgia and surprised me. Like… he literally walked up during the lunch break and was like “Hey… You got lunch plans?” GAME CHANGER.

  • The Foundation of Values.

    Very few relationships succeed without first agreeing on values. Values, grounded in some sort of moral code, are the foundation of every relationship- business, marriage, friendship, or partnership.

    Almost every organization or business depends on partnerships, grants, and the strengths of others to reach their goals for growth. Your business will never thrive if you have determined that you own a monopoly. And to be honest, I have seen businesses and organizations lose their reputation over their unwillingness to work well with others- both internally and externally. Teamwork and partnerships help you fill in the gaps of talent that exists on your team, bring in an entirely different perspective and audience as well as help you make a much larger impact. Together is always better, right?

    Right. Unless the two disagree on the foundational values that you both represent. Values are the bedrock of our intentions, the “why” behind our mission, and the measuring stick we must use behind almost every decision we make. Your values are deep seeded determinations and definitions of the most important things in your life. In your personal life, your values of loyalty, being a person of your word, worth ethic, definition of family, honesty, and so many more are what solidify the bond you have in marriage and friendships.

    Would you allow a neighbor to watch your children without first discussing the rules within their home? Would you jump into marriage without first talking about what loyalty means to you?

    And yet, businesses partner with other businesses all the time over the idea of working together or the excitement about a project- without ever having a discussion about shared or unshared values.

    Here are a few common values worth pausing whatever networking or project you have started in order get on the same page:

    1. Faith and Spirituality: If your faith determines how you run your business and conversations with that partner could involve faith, it is very important to share what you believe with that partner. They may not share the same faith system, or simply not expect faith to come up in discussions.
    2. Work ethic: Does your team work until the job is done even if it means overtime? Does your team have an expectation that everyone must be prepared to deliver their best? Every business is unique in their expectations- having an open conversation ahead of time removes assumptions and sets the tone of the relationship.
    3. Transparency: How do you want to handle the partnership when you disagree? Every relationship, even business relationships, will eventually disagree on something. Setting the expectation that transparency and talking about differences of opinion or values up front can make for a more trusting relationship with minimal paranoia.
    4. Loyalty: Just like in a marriage, business relationships must have an open conversation about what loyalty means to both sides. Hard to believe you might have different opinions on that, right? The project you are working on together may be something you want to be an exclusive project or product that isn’t shared with others. What if your partnering business would rather you talk with them first before partnering on a different project with someone else? Although your business has autonomy, loyalty still impacts relationships in various ways.

    There are lots of other values that are the foundation of your “Why”. What are they? How do they feed your mission statement? Do you talk about those regularly with your team? Do you bring those up in interviews with potential employees? Values are the foundation of everything we do. What conversations do you need to start today?

     

     

     

  • Milspouse Fest Nebraska 2019

    So we are currently stationed in Kansas and when I had the opportunity to join MilspouseFest in Nebraska for a keynote and emceeing I couldn’t wait. Spouses in remote locations are always in need of not only a good time, but some great self-care and fun. MilspouseFest is definitely that… Great prizes, resources, and the theme of “Why not Today” was all about finding your joy and talking better care of yourself starting TODAY.

  • MSOY May 2019

    Attending MSOY is like coming home. It is a place where so much began for me when I was awarded the Military Spouse of the Year 2015. Matt and I were asked to share our experience of my years as MSOY. My greatest passion has been in our aging military couples to take care of their marriage. This is especially important for those who are volunteering or working while also a military family.

    Matt and I were very honest that winning MSOY was like a role reversal experience. It took a lot of communication and patience Between the two of us that year. It is always an honor to welcome the new Spouses of the Year and acknowledge their hard work and service.

  • Empowered Spouses Retreat 2018

    I wish words could describe what it is like to be in a room with military and first responder families.  Some would think that they have little in common.  First responders are addressing the evil in our communities while military is going overseas where we can’t see them everyday.

    But the Empowered Spouses Retreat through the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation brings these two together on a regular basis, which is why I LOVE working with them.  This program in particular takes the spouses of these heroes and gives them four days in the mountains with no connectivity to prove  just how much they are heroes as well.

    We often see in the nonprofit space that there are a hundred and one services and programs for veterans, and sometimes the family.  But few, if any, address the spouse only.  And this where people get it wrong.  We think that veterans have all the influence, and they definitely bring in the donors.  But it is the spouse at home that manages the budget, signs kids up for camp, and makes sure the family is on track that holds incredible influence.  This is why empowering them to know that about themselves is critical.

    So we, CKFF, take 24 military and first responder wives out to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to build their confidence in new activities that they may not have done before- at least in the presence of each other.  They have never met each other and have to immediately do what they do best, be vulnerable in order to find support.  Their husbands are at home, watching the kids and perhaps getting to know Murphy’s law.

     .   

    It is a time of self-care, deep reflection, and for me- a chance to meet many of them in person.  Those that have been on one of Chris Kyle’s Revitalization Retreats as a couple have spent up to 5 hours with me in online coaching sessions tailored to their needs as a couple.  So to see them in person, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, honor, and humility to serve them again.

     .    

    The Tetons command respect and silence, so it is a perfect place for quiet, reflection, and for these women- a chance to hear their spirit speak again.  Long has the world and chaotic schedule of the service lifestyle drown out their internal voices.

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    If that wasn’t enough, we take them out of their comfort zone (in front of each other).  Many pick up shotguns and archery for the first time.  Conquering the fear of kickbacks, loud noises, and even rewriting narratives of negativity associated with weapons.  Without their sweet husbands over their shoulder, they find the inner strength to try.  That, of course is rewarded by the cheers of those around them who know what they are overcoming. The staff at Safari Club International are not only the most amazing instructors, but have a teaching heart- filled with patience for all who come there.  They serve with grace, love, and even the chef and his wife love each person who comes through the door.

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    Of course I try to get in a few opportunities myself to stretch out of my comfort zone:

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    It wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t push them to a new level emotionally.  I guess that is my reputation now, which I had to laugh at.  Many of them were afraid of me in sessions, knowing that I would see behind the curtain.  Of course, it is in deep love and respect.  But I know that what I love is to see people I work with reach inside and discover new truths, break down lies that have long held them back, and find encouragement again.  Challenge, sometimes, is what breathes life into us and our family.  It may not be comfortable, but it is usually rewarding.  Many of these spouses let me dig deep along side of them.  Many of them did it on their own, truly embracing the opportunity that was put before them.  Every single one of them went home better.

    My favorite part of all of it is to see them walk back just a little taller than when they came.

     .    .

    I could not be more honored to serve along side the amazing staff of CKFF. We all have different talents and together, it is a force to be reckoned with.  Every detail is considered, every gift bag made with love, and the trust they have in me as a facilitator leaves me free to do what I love and I do not take that for granted.

    Special thank you to Taya Kyle for sharing her vision and making it possible to serve these families.  We could each not do it by ourselves.  Today… I am thankful for a team I have long prayed for.

    In the words of one of the spouses:

    Last weekend I had the honor to befriend 29 beautiful, BADASS women… we laughed, we cried, and we laughed until we cried. We were vulnerable, completely out of our comfort zone, yet we shared some of the rawest and trying times we have ever experienced – not only in our marriages, but in any and every aspect of our lives. Corie dug deep and sometimes without trying. We learned that we have things we can internally work on within ourselves to better our relationships and who can and cannot be invited to a backyard barbeque; we also learned about self-love and that it is perfectly okay to take care of ourselves, as we, military and/or first responder spouses, have an enormous influence on our households, whether our husbands are home or not. Though, we found to have many things in common by the end of the weekend, one thing that stuck out for sure is that love conquers all (1 Corinthians 13) – we love our spouses unconditionally and given our circumstances, being a service member’s spouse isn’t for the faint; it requires strength and sacrifice, yet these women do life so gracefully. We all have a story. We all matter. You matter. Just remember to remind yourself periodically to practice grace, show gratitude, and always, always choose to forgive.

  • Fort Lewis Strengths Training April 2018

    My trip to Fort Lewis was a full one!  Three events in one trip.  I had the honor to again speak with the spouses of special ops soldiers.  They have a special place in my heart as they go through a rapid tempo of deployments and trainings.

    The first event was with a small group who went through Sacred Spaces as a Bible Study.  I joined them on the group FB page at various points to connect and encourage them.

          

    They gave me the best gift ever- one of their group shirts that just happened to have the WW logo on it 🙂

       

    Next up: and evening of empowering some of the strongest, most elite spouses I have ever met.  We talked about resiliency, but more importantly GRIT

    The following weekend was an opportunity to do another Strengths event for the Fort Lewis PWOC ladies.  We went to a gorgeous camp site where we stayed in cabins that looked like train cars.  It was a fantastic event that ended in a powerful prayer the ladies did over me and my friend Sarah.  I so love these ladies and their prayers (and yours) have more of an impact than you could know.

  • Fort Drum Strengths Training

    It was another great event at Fort Drum, NY!  The women’s PWOC invited the military spouses of Fort Drum to discover their strengths and find a new sense of purpose.  Each time I do this, I am more convinced that our military spouses are in need of encouragement now more than ever.  With an increase in military tempo around the world and the continued struggle to find employment, spouses are exhausted.  What I absolutely LOVE about living out your strengths is that it opens your eyes to who God designed you to be.  There may be talents that you don’t even know you have!  There may be talents that other people in your life have said were weaknesses- but only because they don’t see the world the way you do.

    At Fort Drum, spouses were emotional as they discovered the truth about themselves.  That there was far more to love about themselves than they thought.  Lies from the enemy were shown for what they were and the truth of God prevailed.  Lives were changed.  Women were set free.  Women walked away affirmed in their current purpose and others discovered plans for a new direction in their life.

  • Military Spouse of the Year TownHall- Hero’s Journey

    May 2017

    I went back to Washington, DC for the annual Armed Forces Insurance Military Spouse of the Year Awards. The day before, though, is a time for 250 of the most influential military spouses descend on Washington DC to not only network, but be empowered.  I was invited to speak at the TownHall and spoke on the Hero’s Journey, sharing the journey that ever super hero must go through in order to find their purpose.  By learning to embrace your back story, listen for your calling, and take the risk of adventure, every superhero must then be willing to enter the battle of their lives- themselves.  I provided and exciting and inspirational talk that was captured on Facebook Live and was later reproduced as an episode for my podcast.

  • Misawa, Japan Women’s Leadership Conference May 2017

    May 2017

    Corie had an amazing opportunity to go to Misawa Air Force Base, Japan to lead 120 women through the Gallup StrengthsFinders.  This full day workshop event not only invested in each person’s individual talents, but also in learning how to work better with others.  It was an amazing opportunity to invest in an OCONUS installation that often struggles with isolation and depression while being so disconnected from the states.  Lasting relationships were built during a fun and meaningful time together.  Special thank you to the incredible Women’s Ministry Board for all of their hard work pulling off an incredible event!  Day two was all about investing in key leaders to train them up as Coaches in the Gallup StrengthsFinder- a perfect opportunity for mentoring those who attended the outreach event the day before!

     

     

  • Spouses Retreat for Spouses- Charleston, SC

    June 2017

    Corie leads a group of spouses through a weekend retreat.  Spouses enjoyed fun, games, a Girl’s Night Out and workshops on how to be your own super hero.  Corie encouraged the spouses toward self-care, setting boundaries, and staying deeply involved in community.

            

  • Book Signing, Savannah, GA February 2017

    Few authors get the opportunity to do book authors in a place like Barnes and Noble, so when I got the opportunity I was so excited.  Savannah was the perfect place, too because Hunter Army Airfield was mentioned in Sacred Spaces as a key place that is dear to our hearts.  Special thank you to Elva Resa Publishers for making this possible!

  • Sacred Spaces Valentines Banquet, Fort Stewart, GA February 2017

    What a joy to bring Sacred Spaces to Fort Stewart, GA.  Matt and I had the honor to speak at a Valentine’s Couple’s event where we celebrated marriage with chocolate, games, and a heart to heart talk on the difficulties and victories of marriage in the military.  Everyone got a copy of Sacred Spaces!  We talked about how difficult it can be to connect and find intimacy in your marriage when each of you are experiencing very “sacred” moments separately.  Special thank you to the amazing leadership of Fort Stewart PWOC who made this event GORGEOUS!!!

    As an added bonus, I got to give a HUGE hug to Regina Wages, who I met at FOB Fenty in Afghanistan.  If you have read Sacred Spaces, you know how amazing it was to run into her again. She was the USO representative now back home in Georgia after spending almost a decade in Afghanistan serving our soldiers there.  I am still shocked that the USO does that. I am amazed by people like her.

     

  • Lifegiver Stories

    My favorite stories are ones of redemption and restoration.

    Every one of us experiences some level of pain… some level of suffering.  As a clinician, it is always an honor to step into someone else’s story and walk with them from darkness into light. Healing, though I have found, is only when we evolve to a place where we can bring purpose from pain by serving someone else.  That… is when we see that God can indeed bring good out of all things.

    “Healing, though I have found, is only when we evolve to a place where we can bring purpose from pain by serving someone else.”

    So… introducing Lifegiver Stories.  A place where you can read and listen to real stories of other people who have seen light come out of darkness.  You will not find perfection here. In fact you will hear some level of healing still to be found because perfect healing is something we will not see this side of heaven.  But I guarantee, you will hear a little bit of your own story in their’s, practical steps that may help you turn a corner, and hope that light can shine out of the darkness.

    Would you like to submit your own Lifegiver Story?  Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as you think and I will walk you through some tips on how to get it ready.  Click here to get started.

    *I reserve the right to not publish stories that are not in line with the values of Corie Weathers, LLC and the Lifegiver Podcast. All content published is owned by Corie Weathers, LLC to be shared and used to encourage others.
     

  • Who I Really Am

    If you didn’t know, I love Wonder Woman.  As a child, I zipped up my leather boots, grabbed my nylon yellow rope my Dad had in the garage and lassoed trees in the yard.  Forcing them to tell me the truth about where to save the woman or man held by the enemy.  I had little reference for this superhero other than Linda Carter on TV.  Bullets bounced off her bracelets and she could jump to the top of a building so after every show, I’d run outside and see if I could do the same- except for the bullet thing- but I imagined it.

    There has always been something inside of me that wanted the truth to win.  I saw no good in secrets and lies other than good secrets like birthday parties and surprises.  Evil used lies all the time and I just knew, way deep down inside, that there was something powerful about the truth- and I wanted to fight for it. In John 8:32, Jesus tells the Jews around him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

    I have lived my life, since I was very little running around in under-roo’s, seeking the freedom that truth brings.  So… I became a counselor, aiming to help others discover their need for truth as well.

    In the past year, Matt decided that if I was going to be a real Wonder Woman fan, I needed to read her comics.  So we picked up the New 52 series one at a time.  I have to say that I have loved it.  I read it slowly, digesting it in pieces- what I assume a fan really does.  I wanted to share with you what I’ve learned…

    • Wonder Woman struggles with her identity.  She struggles with who she is and what she is here to do. She is always searching for her purpose and living that fully.
    • She struggles with what others expect her to be.  Trying to be all things to all people.  In this series, she is given the task of being the God of War.   Contrasting that is her strength is to love and protect all life.  It turns out, this new role practically eats her alive as she is tempted to be something she isn’t.  She has to dig deep to be who she truly is- someone who brings peace even when it still instigates war.
    • She sees the best in others.  She wants to believe that everyone is good and capable of love as well, and when they aren’t- she can’t comprehend it.  But every time, she can’t help but see the good in them.
    • At some point, she can’t trust her own judgement and has to use her lasso.  Forged by the gods, it is her only tool for seeing things clearly.  Yet, this very same tool humbles her and strips her of her own power.
    • Her desire to love others comes out of her own need for love and acceptance.  It is her greatest weaknesses and is often used against her.  It haunts her, but she brings purpose out of it by loving others.

    It turns out… I really AM Wonder Woman.  As silly as that may sound to you, it brings me full circle and a sense of completion way down deep in my core.  My Father, the God of the Heavens, created me with a purpose.  I love others, deeply.  I hate to see pain in their eyes.  I dig for truth, fight for justice, sacrifice sometimes too much of myself for the sake of others to have freedom from whatever binds them.  I know that the truth of scripture is the answer- bringing clarity to confusion, strength to those who need it, and light into the darkest places.  I also know that it brings me to my knees every time.  Revealing the painful truth of my weakness and insecurity.  It reveals that I am not as strong as I think I am.  I largely serve others out of my own issues, and that I can wear myself out in the temptation of thinking that I, too, am a god- when I am not and never have been.  But I AM in the family of the one TRUE God- and that makes me an heir- able to live in the freedom that Christ died for me to have.  If only I could believe that all the time… but my own issues get in the way, confusion sets in, the lies of the enemy taunt me and I forget for a moment that I have a lasso of truth, the Word, at my side- glowing, ready to be used, ready to shed light, ready to free us all.

    This is not a spoiler, but this picture showed up towards the end and it is so perfect for where I am in life right now.

    I have given all I have in me lately… 

    Out of my love for others…

    Using every bit of my own strength…

    Relying on the prayers that some of you have offered…

    Trying my best to listen to His guidance…

    Fulfilling the calling He has placed on my heart…

    And I find myself in His arms ready to rest.

    He has been fighting the worst of the battles for me, but I have been fighting the ones that he has allowed.

    Here is the truth-

    He has given each of you a calling:

    He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

    He has given you armor:

    Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:13

    He has given you a lasso:

    For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3

    So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. John 1:4

    But He has also given you an identity:

    ‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Isaiah 41:10

    Now Rest