64 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com /CharlestonWomen About a decade ago, Josh and Katie Walters’ marriage was crumbling. There was an infidelity followed by a very public outing that led to a lost job. And then came the hard part. There was the decision to confront tough truths, accept responsibility, work through the difficulties and endure. The work paid off. They are on their 16th year of marriage, parents to six children, dedicated couples’ counselors and now co-authors of the upcoming book “New Marriage, Same Couple: Don’t Let Your Worst Days be Your Last Days.” So often, when marriages hit a difficult patch, be it communication problems, parenting issues or even infidelity, the path forward can be uncertain and cause the demise of the relationship. The Walters duo posit that everyone needs a second marriage, but you can have that second marriage with your current partner. Their book provides a template for how to get started and strengthen the relationship, no matter the problem and even under the most difficult of circumstances. The foundational principles of the book are broken into four sections and are defined by the acronym S.T.A.Y.: Start with you, Take quitting off the table, Allow others to be a part of your journey, and Yield to the vision. Each principle provides guidance, wisdom, healthy habits and tools that couples can adopt in their everyday routines. The book functions as a standalone guide, but the authors also developed a companion workbook couples can work through alone or with another couple. Josh and Katie Walters both have master’s degrees in counseling, and Josh works on staff at Seacoast Church as an executive pastor. Their own journey to healing started in a small group session with another couple where they honed their skills at being truthful, raw and honest with one another. About 10 years ago, they decided to take their journey public and shared their story with their Seacoast Church community. Instantly, they became a go-to resource for other couples going through what Katie refers to as a “difficult season.” Their years working with and for other couples, along with their academic backgrounds, helped them design the principles and practical guidance found in the book. According to Katie, the book is a raw, real love story but also a very pragmatic approach to healing and touches on the pain that can be common to all marriages. The couple was drawn to helping others and cite a guiding verse from the Bible, “You can comfort others with the comfort you have received from God.” Neither Josh nor Katie have authored a book before, but they had been seeing so many couples for counseling that they exceeded their capacity to help and decided to get the story out to a larger audience. They enjoyed the collaborative experience so much that they’re hopeful this co-writing experience won’t be their last. In essence, they are paying it forward with a message of love, hope, endurance and miracles. Love Conquers All Josh and Katie Walters’ “New Marriage, Same Couple” BY SHERRY WHITING Charleston Women in the Arts The Walters with their new book.
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