Personal Blog
Sharing from My Personal Experience
I found my way to Christianity after growing up in a challenging and tumultuous environment during the 1960s and 1970s, which is now commonly referred to as a "dysfunctional" childhood. Although we were unaware of the specific label at the time, Jesus somehow intervened in my life and made a significant impact.
I went through a profound change when someone assisted me in discovering the overwhelming affection of Jesus, which is difficult to put into words, for the very first time.
The picture was taken by a photographer named Laura E
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. I can confidently say that the course of my life was forever altered when I first experienced the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is the same. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in creating songs that can convey the extraordinary truth. This fundamental principle is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our platforms, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, are dedicated to spreading Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
Do you have a personal story of faith to share? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood church experiences, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. Maybe you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss, and it has brought you closer to God. In our coaching programs for Christian songwriters, we often come across individuals who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce, and they are eager to learn how to express their emotions through music and acknowledge how God has supported them through difficult times. As James Finley puts it, "God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously sustains us throughout them."
However, the question remains, how can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through powerful and remarkable songs?
Throughout our journey in life, we experience both joyous and challenging moments. However, when it comes to expressing these experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our personal testimonies? Here are three suggestions that aim to assist you in contemplating the most effective ways to capture your own testimonials, ensuring that listeners will not only appreciate them but also find solace, restoration, and optimism.
Start by looking for a shared element or theme in your story that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that everyone can relate to. To engage people with your story, it is important to create a connection by allowing them to see themselves in your song. By incorporating elements of our shared experiences, we can connect and resonate with your narrative. Allowing space for us to insert our own personal stories into yours is key to captivating our hearts.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with experiences we've had, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, she primarily addresses the needs of families who are grieving, but she also incorporates universal themes in her songs that can connect with anyone who has experienced any form of loss. This allows all of us to find something relatable and continue to engage with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling rather than getting caught up in specific details
The idea was shared by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music. According to him, it is important to have a central theme or emotion to base your song on. However, it is also essential to avoid including irrelevant details in your song that may confuse or disengage the listener. Going into excessive specifics such as location, time, dates, names, or other unnecessary information can cause the listener to lose interest.
When you identify the common theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you make me feel included in your narrative. If the specific details of your story don't align with my own experiences, it may make me lose interest. It may seem challenging, but it is possible to achieve. You can learn to find the right amount of detail to focus on conveying your emotions during the difficult times and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that tells the story of how God has brought victory and success into your life.
It is important to acknowledge the unique aspects of your personal experiences that others may not be able to relate to. To assist in the songwriting process, it can be beneficial to analyze songs that align with the emotional tone you wish to convey, observing how the writers engage listeners in that emotion without simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write a genuine song that reflects your true feelings about it. Expressing your pain through lyrics may be seen as self-centered, unless you are creating a typical country song that evokes sadness. If that is your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but bear in mind that it would not be considered a personal testimony but rather a melancholic country song.
When you prioritize your audience, it becomes evident that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to face. If you simply burden them with your own issues, they may not be inclined to listen for an extended period of time. This is why therapists and journals exist – they are meant to serve as outlets for your personal problems and pains. It is important 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 solely focused on your childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore Scriptural themes that emphasize the transformative and healing power of God to overcome negative situations. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative methods before delving into deeply personal and painful details.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that depicts 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 recognize the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing pent-up emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of how you arrive at that point.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and explore various other aspects. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to develop your ministry, you can click on the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call does not impose any obligations and is aimed at determining whether this program is suitable for you. To set up your free call, please follow this link.
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