Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
My journey to finding Christ began during a challenging childhood that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" today. However, during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s, my family and I were simply living our lives without realizing there was a specific term for our experiences. Despite this, Jesus miraculously entered my life and changed everything.
My life underwent a profound change when a person guided me towards experiencing the indescribable love that Jesus has for us.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. The love I experienced in that moment has been my source of strength and support for more than half a century, guiding me through both difficult and joyful times. I firmly believe that my life took a completely different path when I first experienced the profound love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is the love of Jesus. Being a Christian songwriter, my goal is to assist others in creating songs that can beautifully convey this incredible reality. The central purpose of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms – podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs – is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love during your childhood church experiences or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It could also be that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. Many Christian songwriters who have gone through immense suffering, abuse, or divorce have approached us about our coaching programs. They are eager to learn how to express their pain through music and how God has provided them with strength and support during those difficult times. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously sustains us through them."
However, the question remains: how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through impactful songs?
During our journey through life, we inevitably experience both the positive and negative aspects of it. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? Here are three tips that I believe will assist you in contemplating how to artistically portray your personal stories in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with solace, restoration, and inspiration.
To start, attempt to identify a shared theme in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. When you share your story in a way that resonates with others, it allows them to connect with your song on a deeper level. It is important for listeners to find elements of their own experiences within your narrative, enabling them to personally connect with and appreciate your music.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captivates us and evokes a sense of familiarity with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of our institute, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are centered around offering support to grieving families, while also incorporating broader themes that allow anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which encompasses all of us – to connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember hearing songwriter and publisher Dave Clark (Lillenas Music) say this, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first, it may seem contradictory, but it's not. The first point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that won't benefit the listener. If you delve too much into specifics like location, time, dates, names, or other details, you might end up losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you encourage me to engage with your song. If the specific details of your experience don't align with mine, it can deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can acquire the skill to include the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the difficult time, and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
A testimonial song is a song that expresses and celebrates the victories and successes that God has brought into your life. It is a way to share and showcase the ways in which God's power and presence have positively impacted and transformed your life.
It is important to understand that there are certain details in your story that are unique to you and cannot be relatable to others. To help with this, it can be useful to find examples of songs that align with the type of song you want to write and observe how the writers effectively engage listeners with emotions rather than just stating specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally and physically affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your pain and vulnerability through lyrics often comes across as self-centered, unless you intend to create a melancholic country song that captures the essence of sorrow. If that is your goal, then by all means, pursue it. However, it is important to understand that such a song is not truly a testimony but rather a reflection of sadness in the country genre.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they are likely dealing with their own struggles and challenges. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be willing to listen for long. This is why professionals such as therapists and journals exist – they are meant to provide an outlet for your personal troubles and pain. It is essential to think about the impact your lyrics will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" by conveying a message rooted in Scripture that can resonate with many people. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your personal childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that highlight God's healing power in overcoming adversity. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be worth considering other approaches before delving into your pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that showcases how God has prevailed in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to note the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced and His ultimate victory in your inner being, regardless of the journey.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore testimony songs and various other topics. While many individuals may be interested in accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call will allow you to determine if our program aligns with your needs and goals. Take the opportunity to schedule your free call here without any obligation.
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