Personal Blog
Sharing my Experience of Finding Faith
Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and '70s, my childhood was far from conventional. It was marked by dysfunction, although we didn't have a term for it back then. However, amidst the chaos, Jesus played a significant role in transforming my life.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the indescribable affection that Jesus has for me.
This photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than half a century, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. My personal experience testifies that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced God's love at the age of eighteen.
This is the driving force behind my existence and my work. It is the motivation behind my career as a Christian songwriter, as I strive to assist others in creating songs that can effectively convey the incredible truth of this faith. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms, including 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? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood church experiences, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult while struggling with addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have shown interest in our coaching programs. They have a desire 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 miraculously helps us endure them."
However, the challenge lies in capturing our personal experiences and stories into impactful and exceptional songs. However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our testimonies through the
Throughout our lives, we experience both the positive and negative aspects of life. However, when it comes to expressing our experiences and testimonies through Christian songs, how can we effectively capture them? Here are three valuable tips that may assist you in contemplating the best ways to convey your personal stories in songs that will resonate with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element within your story that many individuals can relate to.
Most people have experienced feelings of loneliness or being lost at some point. By allowing people to relate to your story, you can create a connection and engage them with your song. It's important to incorporate elements of our shared experiences so that we can personally connect and become emotionally invested in your story.
If there is nothing in your story that captivates us and reminds us of a personal experience, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend, went through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry primarily cater to grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her music so that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and continue to support her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to a well-known songwriter and publisher named Dave Clark (from Lillenas Music) who shared a memorable piece of advice. It may seem conflicting at first, but it's actually not. The initial 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 would not be beneficial for the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other details, there is a chance that the listener may lose interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, it allows me to connect with your song. If the specific details in your story don't align with my own experiences, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing enough or excessive detail to focus 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 how God has achieved victory in your personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that may not resonate with others. To gain inspiration for your song, it can be helpful to study songs that successfully evoke emotions and observe how the writers engage listeners without simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to write a genuine song that reflects your personal testimony. Expressing your pain through lyrics can often be seen as self-centered, unless you are writing a traditional country song that evokes sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it is not a true testament of your experience, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it is important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles to contend with. If you unload your problems onto them without considering their own burdens, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide a safe outlet for you to express your dysfunction and pain. It is crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional environment are you creating for them? 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 based on Scripture that is relatable to many. Instead of writing a song that focuses on your childhood, it might be beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase how God's healing power can overcome any negative experiences. There are countless ways to express your testimony, so it would be worthwhile to consider different approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that highlights how God has succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. You may consider writing these songs for yourself, but it is important to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis involves venting and 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 path you take to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which is conducted online over eight weeks, we delve into the art of testimony songs and much more. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to advance 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 is not binding and serves as an opportunity to determine if our program is suitable for you. Don't hesitate to schedule your free call now.
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