Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
My journey to finding faith in Christ began in a challenging childhood that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" in today's terminology. However, during the tumultuous times of the 1960s and '70s, we simply considered it as our way of life. Little did we know that our experiences would later be categorized under a specific label. Nevertheless, it was through the intervention of Jesus that my life took a different path.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in forming a profound connection with the incomprehensible love that Jesus offers.
The photo credit belongs to Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. It is this very love that has supported and guided me throughout more than five decades, encompassing both the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, as well as the positive experiences. I can confidently affirm that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced God's love for the initial time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my continued presence and motivation in my work is because of this. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in creating songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. The fundamental principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various platforms – podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs – is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that a significant loss in your life left you broken, and you sought solace in God. Many Christian songwriters who have faced challenges such as abuse, divorce, or profound loss have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They want to learn how to channel their pain into their music and convey how God supported them through those tough times. James Finley suggests that while God doesn't shield us from difficulties, He miraculously provides us with the strength to persevere.
However, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and memorable songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both enjoyable and challenging moments. However, when it comes to expressing these experiences through Christian music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in contemplating the most effective ways to capture your personal stories in songs that will resonate with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to identify a shared element or theme in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that most people are familiar with. By sharing a story that resonates with others, you can create a connection and engage them in your narrative. It is important to incorporate elements that allow individuals to relate their own experiences and emotions to your story. This way, they can deeply connect with your song and develop an emotional attachment to it.
If your story fails to resonate with us or evoke memories of our own experiences, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances, Becky Norquist, who is a former student of NCS, has personally endured the pain of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are dedicated to supporting and comforting grieving families, but she also incorporates universal themes in her music that everyone who has experienced any form of loss can relate to, ensuring that we all find something to connect with and remain engaged with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The idea that was shared by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher, has stuck with me since I first heard it. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's actually not. The initial point is to choose a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that might confuse or distract the listener. When you get too caught up in specific locations, dates, names, and other specifics, there's a chance of losing the interest of the audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you welcome me into your narrative. If the specific details don't align with my own experiences, it might discourage me. Despite this challenge, it is possible to achieve. You can learn to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive details, focusing on how you felt during the challenging situation, and then shifting towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the triumph of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to remember that there are certain details unique to your own experiences that may not resonate with others. To overcome this, it can be helpful to look for examples of songs that capture the emotions you want to convey and observe how the songwriters engage listeners without simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still feeling the emotional pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write an authentic song that reflects it. Expressing your pain too openly in your lyrics may be seen as self-centered, unless you're aiming to create a typical country song that evokes sadness. If that's your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it won't be a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it's important to acknowledge that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to overcome. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. That's why therapists and journals exist – they are designed to provide a safe outlet for your personal issues and emotional wounds. It's crucial 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 successfully created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, it might be more impactful to focus on positive themes from the Scriptures that showcase God's healing power in overcoming negativity. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that depicts how God succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have catharsis. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but keep in mind that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis is a way to release emotions, while testimonials rejoice in God's triumph over the hardships you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your inner being regardless of the path you took to get there.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals are seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to develop your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. During this call, there is no obligation to commit, but it will allow us to determine if this program is suitable for you. Book your free call now.
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