Personal Blog:
Sharing My Testimony
My journey towards finding faith in Christ began during a difficult childhood, which is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was merely a reflection of the turbulent times in the 1960s and '70s. Unaware that our experiences would later be categorized, I found solace in Jesus, who miraculously intervened in my life.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in forming a deep bond with the ineffable affection that Jesus has for all.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely transformed. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the successes and hardships, as well as the positive experiences. I firmly believe that my life's path was permanently altered when I first experienced God's love at the age of eighteen.
The reason I continue to exist and pursue my passion is because of this. It's the driving force behind my profession as a Christian songwriter and my mission to assist others in creating songs that effectively convey this incredible truth. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal experience or story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced a sense of God's love during your childhood church experiences, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss in your life. I have had conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have faced immense suffering, including abuse, divorce, and tragedy. These individuals have expressed a desire to learn how to creatively express their pain and how God has provided them with strength and support throughout their struggles. According to James Finley, God does not shield us from life's challenges, but rather, miraculously helps us endure and persevere through them.
However, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through impactful and memorable songs?
As we journey through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian songs, how can we do it effectively? Here are three tips that may assist you in reflecting on how to beautifully convey your testimonies in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with solace, healing, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element or theme in your narrative that resonates with a wide range of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that everyone is familiar with. To connect with your audience, it is essential to create a story that they can relate to. By incorporating elements of our shared experiences, listeners will be able to connect and resonate with your song. It is important to leave room for them to insert their own personal narratives, as this allows them to develop a deeper connection and appreciation for your music.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances and former student from NCS, Becky Norquist, went through a difficult journey of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. She dedicates her music and ministry to supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates broader themes in her songs that can resonate with anyone who has suffered any form of loss – which includes all of us. This enables listeners to connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, who shared a memorable piece of advice. It may seem contradictory 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 may confuse or distract the listener. If you delve too much into specifics like location, time, dates, names, or other irrelevant information, there's a chance of losing your audience's interest.
When you identify the shared element and shared feeling in your story that I can connect with, you welcome me into your narrative. If the specific details do not align with my own experiences, it may deter my interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can acquire the skill of providing just the right amount of detail to focus on your emotions during the difficult situation and then shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
A testimonial song is a type of song that demonstrates the ways in which God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that we may not be able to relate to. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that capture the emotions you want to convey and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in those emotions rather than simply listing details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling the emotional and physical pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write an authentic song that reflects your true feelings. Expressing your pain through lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are composing a traditional country song that embraces sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it would not be considered a testimony. Instead, it would be categorized as a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to handle. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals like therapists and personal journals exist – they serve as outlets for your troubles and emotional pain. It's essential to think about the impact of your lyrics on your listeners. What kind of emotional space 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 encompasses a broad message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song that solely focuses on your own childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore positive Scriptural themes that highlight how God's healing power can overcome any negative aspects. There are numerous ways to convey your personal testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
To sum up, a testimonial song is a song that highlights the way God has succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a release of emotions. It might be beneficial for you to write such songs for your own healing, but it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way of releasing emotions, while testimonials acknowledge and celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced, ultimately leading to victory in your soul regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which spans over eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve deep into the art of writing testimony songs and cover various other aspects as well. While there are many individuals who are seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly dedicated to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will allow you to determine if our program aligns with your needs and goals. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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