<\/p>\n
When Liane Todd lost her career as a musician following a life\u2011changing accident, she thought she had lost the thing that had shaped her identity from childhood.<\/strong><\/p>\n Now, through the United Reformed Church\u2019s Stepwise programme, she has discovered a new way of expressing faith \u2014 through poetry, worship leading, and a deeper understanding of where God is calling her.<\/p>\n Liane, a member of Trinity Church in Bedlington, had been an active musician since the age of nine, playing clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano, and working as a peripatetic woodwind teacher for more than 25 years.<\/p>\n Her life changed dramatically in 2017 after a serious accident at a local theatre, when a large piece of stage scenery fell into the orchestra pit where she was waiting to perform.<\/p>\n \u201cI was ready to play,\u201d Lianne said. \u201cAnd then, just like that, everything changed.\u201d<\/p>\n The accident left her with limited movement down the left-hand side of her body and unable to use her left hand while being left-hand dominant. The musician was also left with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post\u2011traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), forcing her to retire on health grounds.<\/p>\n Music, once central to her life, was suddenly no longer possible.<\/p>\n \u201cIt all went downhill pretty fast,\u201d she reflected. \u201cMusic was my life and I found it very hard to consider that it was no longer there.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite feeling lost, Liane remained connected to her church. Over time, she was encouraged to undertake positive activities by her mother. Liane\u2019s occupational therapist also asked her if she would consider trying a one-handed clarinet, but the accident still felt too raw at that time.<\/p>\n After a conversation with the Revd Dave Herbert, the then moderator of Northern Synod, she was encouraged to explore taking part in Stepwise. What began as a search for direction became something unexpected.<\/p>\n \u201cThe course began with Faith-filled Life and then I progressed onto Faith-filled worship and that,\u201d says Liane, with a broad smile spreading across her face, \u201cwas a revelation.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to deepen my faith and understand where God was calling me,\u201d she said. \u201cHowever when I started, my lifelong interest in creative writing came to mind and I felt I felt drawn to include poetry as part of the course work.\u201d<\/p>\n Week by week, Liane began writing poems inspired by scripture, faith, and reflection. What started as a small contribution quickly became an integral part of her experience.<\/p>\n \u201cI asked if I could read one of the poems as a prayer at the end of a session, and fellow course members were really surprised and encouraged me to carry on.\u201d<\/p>\n She has since gone on to write regularly, even publishing a poetry collection about her beloved Northumberland, Echoes of Time<\/em>, and continues to explore creative ways to express faith.<\/p>\n Liane has also begun leading worship, something she never imagined she would do.<\/p>\n \u201cI honestly never thought I would lead a service,\u201d she said. \u201cBut now I\u2019ve taken full services, using what I\u2019ve learned and building on it.\u201d<\/p>\n For Liane, Stepwise has not just been about learning, but transformation.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not just about gaining knowledge,\u201d she said. \u201cIt encourages reflection, discussion, and asking where God is at work in us and in the church.\u201d<\/p>\n The journey following the accident has not been without its struggles. She describes periods of deep anger, asking \u201cwhy me?\u201d and \u201cgive me a break\u201d.<\/p>\n Over time, however, her faith has shifted from frustration to acceptance and new purpose.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought God wanted me to be the musician, the organist, the choir leader,\u201d she said. \u201cBut now I wonder if this \u2014 writing, leading worship, taking time \u2014 is where God was calling me all along.\u201d<\/p>\n That change has brought with it a renewed sense of direction.<\/p>\n \u201cI can give more of myself now,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m not rushing in and out of church. I\u2019m taking time to know God, and to understand where I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n Liane is clear that Stepwise requires commitment, but believes the rewards are worth it.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re prepared to do the work, you will get out of it what you\u2019re meant to,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Today, while challenges remain, she says there is more \u201ccolour\u201d back in her life; a powerful contrast to the \u201csolid black\u201d she once described in the aftermath of her accident.<\/p>\n \u201cThings could have been much worse,\u201d she says simply. \u201cI\u2019m very lucky to be here.\u201d<\/p>\n Stepwise is for everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes \u2014 including you! To get started or learn more, see\u00a0the dedicated Stepwise webpage<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or contact your local Synod Stepwise Contact (details can be found on the Stepwise page under \u2018Let us know you are interested).<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n