Personal Blog
Sharing from my own Life Experience
I discovered my faith in Christ during a challenging upbringing that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" by society. However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s. Unaware that our experiences would be labeled as such, Jesus somehow entered my life and made a difference.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the incomprehensible affection that Jesus has for everyone.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This love, which has supported me for more than five decades, has been my source of strength through all the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced the love of God for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my presence and actions is the same. It is what motivates me to be a Christian songwriter and assist you in crafting songs that can convey this incredible truth. The fundamental principle that guides Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms like podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs is to spread 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 days, or you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have gone through abuse, divorce, or significant loss have shown interest in our coaching programs. They are eager to learn how to express their pain through music and how God has supported them throughout their struggles. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from difficulties, but miraculously provides us with strength to endure them."
However, the question remains, how do we effectively encapsulate our personal experiences and stories into compelling songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this article, I will provide three tips that aim to assist you in reflecting on how to encapsulate your testimonies in a manner that resonates with listeners, offering them solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element or theme in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
We all understand the feelings of loneliness and being lost at times. To engage people in your song, it's important to provide them with a relatable story. It's necessary for us to find a connection between our own experiences and yours. By allowing us to fill in the gaps with our own narratives, we can truly connect and appreciate your story.
If there isn't anything in your story that captures our attention and reminds us of a personal experience we've had, we will lose interest. One of our friends, Becky Norquist, who attended NCS, went through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting families who are grieving, but she has also incorporated broader themes in her songs so that all of us, who have experienced any type of loss, can relate to and continue to engage with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement was originally made by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher. Despite sounding contradictory, it is not. The first point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that may confuse or disengage your listener. If you delve too much into specifics such as location, time, dates, names, or other irrelevant information, there is a chance of losing the listener's 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 you provide do not align with my own experiences, it can deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive detail in order to focus on your personal feelings during the difficult situation and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the victorious presence of God in your personal life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your story that may not be relatable to others. To assist in writing a song, it can be helpful to look for examples of songs that evoke emotions rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. When your emotions are raw, it is easy for your lyrics to come across as self-centered, unless you are specifically aiming to create a melancholic country song. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it. However, it is important to recognize that such a song would not be a genuine testimony but rather a reflection of sadness in the country music genre.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own personal struggles to deal with. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for your troubles and pain. It's crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact 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 worth considering focusing on positive biblical themes that showcase how God's healing power can overcome any negative aspects. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore different avenues before expressing your pain to others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that showcases how God has succeeded in your life. It is crucial to have catharsis for your emotional well-being. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis is a way to release emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path taken to reach it.
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 much more. While many individuals seek 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 click on 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 your needs. Take the first step by scheduling your free call here.
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