Imagine, in a flash of pain and fear, that the skills and gifts that define you are suddenly taken away. What would you do next?
Former professional violist Janet Gesme shares how a tragic car accident radically changed her career and led her on a healing journey - one that revealed a brand new calling as a literary translator. Janet opens up about letting go of her music career, wrestling with identity in Christ, and learning to trust God's plan one step at a time.
If you're struggling to find your purpose after loss, transition, or trauma, this conversation will help you see how God can redirect your creativity for good.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to let go of a creative identity without losing your faith
What to do when injury or burnout forces a career change
How to find purpose in pain and bless others with your next chapter
This is for every Christian creative navigating change, calling, and creativity.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST
Visit Janet Gesme's Website
COACHING AND COMMUNITY FOR CHRISTIAN CREATIVES
https://godandgigs.com/membership
RECOMMENDED APPS AND TOOLS FOR CREATORS
http://godandgigs.com/toolkit
FREE 7-Day Devotional
https://godandgigs.com/prayer
OUR RECOMMENDED PODCASTING EQUIPMENT
https://amzn.to/4bQm89b
Want to be a guest on The God and Gigs Show?
Send us a message on Podmatch!
Go to https://godandgigs.com/be-a-guest
ABOUT THE GOD AND GIGS SHOW
The God and Gigs Show is a Christian podcast for Christian creators who want to build a fulfilling, purpose-driven creative life without compromising their faith. Hosted by Allen C. Paul, we explore faith and creativity with weekly strategies, inspiration and practical tools to help you become the creator God created you to be. As a Christian creative, you'll hear honest conversations on God and creativity, faith and marketing alignment, mindset and spiritual growth, shared in interviews with Christian artists and Christian content creators living out their faith.
© 2026 Paul Creative Solutions
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:14 Janet's Multilingual Background and Favorite Languages
01:24 Identity Rooted in Christ and Blessing Others
03:25 Beginnings as a Musician and Love for Viola
05:15 The Challenges and Injuries of Playing Viola
06:55 The Internal Drive and External Pressures in Music
08:32 The Car Accident and Its Aftermath
12:02 God’s Preparation Through Music, Language, and Bible
15:13 Transition from Music to Book Translation
17:35 The Role of Community and Human Connection in Translation
20:23 Trusting God's Plan and the Fog of the Future
26:49 God’s Blessings and the Promise of Better Things
30:51 New Seasons and God’s Guidance in Retirement
31:16 Final Words of Inspiration and Connection