Her latest independently released EP is not exactly what you would expect from seasoned worship leader, Sheri Carr. The winding road since Fearless Now, (a worship album released by Vineyard Music’s Varietal Records in 2008), has brought her to Weathered, a collection of five very personal songs borne out of broken relationships, cross-country moves, job transitions, heavy financial burdens and daunting medical problems. “It’s songs about life, love, loss, brokenness, hope, and redemption,” says Sheri.

Painful things tend to carve out chunks of emotional flesh and bone. The EP’s title track exposes her wounds: “Weathered by the years that time has eaten away, lying in the shadows, wondering how it ended up this way.” Other words embrace healing: “Listen to what your soul craves, don’t ignore the signs created, to show the winding road…home, you’re going home.”

“As this journey continues, I discover daily the redemptive work of God - He paves the way, He writes my story, He carries me on.” Sheri is proud to share, through this edgy volume, how life’s experiences have shaped her, weathered her, but certainly not defeated her.

When asked to pick a favorite song, Sheri laughs, “That’s too tough – just ONE?” Influenced by so many female vocalists and singer-songwriters, from Amy Grant to Alanis Morissette, Sheri’s gift for songwriting and her love to sing at the top of her lungs began early. Piano at age 5, flute in middle school, tenor sax in high school and guitar soon after kept Sheri well occupied with church gigs and teaching music lessons where she grew up - Indiana. She waited a few tables in her time, even was a nanny for a season, but jumped at a chance to work as a worship leader for a small new church plant north of Seattle in 1999.

Fearless Now, Sheri’s debut solo release (Varietal Records) was voted by Christianity Today as one of their Favorite Worship Albums of 2008. This along with numerous collaborative efforts with Vineyard Music for over a decade simply confirmed that Sheri was doing what she was created to do. “The Lord has called me to be a worshipper – this I know. I love the Church, I love leading worship musically in the Church, and I love writing songs for the Church to sing corporately to God. It’s one of my greatest passions in life, and I think will always be part of my call and purpose in life.”

Recent major changes included a move to Atlanta in 2006, where she has weathered (and persevered through) many personal and literal storms (who can forget the South’s Big Ice Storm of 2010!?). Her mom’s recent diagnosis of cancer has unsettled all - Sheri and her dad especially. “It was so sweet that my parents both got to come down to the studio the day we were recording the song Weathered. They got to see it start from nothing and evolve into something beautiful – from a simple melody to a fully orchestrated title track.”

Seen any good “weather”? Sheri grins, those smiling eyes twinkle. There’s been blue sky and sunshine, too: Cooking for friends, swing dancing, journaling poolside, and long road trips to play music with great friends are big answers to prayer. “I am so thankful the Lord provided relationship with some of these folks before I even knew I needed it. I’ve had the chance now to be on the road with friends for the first time, actually getting to play the songs with some of the guys that helped me write/record them. It’s something I honestly prayed for – finding partners with whom I can both minister together with and create music. What a blessing!”

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“You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and taking your rest in safety.” (Job 11:16-18)