Personal Blog Post
Sharing My Journey to Finding Christ
I found my way to Christianity after a challenging upbringing that many would describe as "dysfunctional." However, during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s, my family and I simply viewed it as our normal way of life. We had no idea that our experiences would later be categorized as such. Nevertheless, Jesus found a way to intervene and bring transformation into my life.
My life underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a connection with the indescribable affection that Jesus possesses.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love I have experienced has supported me through all the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive moments. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is because of this. It is the driving force that has led me to become a Christian songwriter and assist others in writing songs that can convey the incredible truth of this. The fundamental principle that guides Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood church visits, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. In my conversations with many Christian songwriters interested in our coaching programs, I've encountered individuals who have faced immense struggles, such as abuse or divorce. They sought to learn how to convey their pain through their music and how God provided them with strength and support throughout those difficult times. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather amazingly sustains us through them."
However, the challenge lies in how we can effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs.
As we navigate through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian songs, 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 testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To start off, attempt to discover a shared element or theme in your story that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that everyone is familiar with. To connect with others through your story, it is important to provide a relatable experience that allows them to see themselves in your song. By incorporating elements that resonate with our own experiences, we are able to fully engage and connect with your narrative.
If your story fails to capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our friends and former student at NCS, Becky Norquist, has gone through the devastating experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around providing support for grieving families, but she also incorporates broader themes in her songs so that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, capture the essence of the emotion rather than focusing on specific details.
The statement I'm about to share was initially mentioned by Dave Clark, a highly productive songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, 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 refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that don't contribute to the listener's understanding or enjoyment. If you delve too deeply into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other minute details, there's a risk of losing the audience's interest.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can personally connect with, you welcome me into your narrative. If the specifics of your story do not align with mine, it may deter me from fully engaging. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive details in order to focus on your personal experience during the difficult period and subsequently shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
A testimonial song is a type of song that depicts the triumph of God in your life.
Take note of the specific details in your story that are unique to you and may not resonate with others. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that are similar to the one you want to write and observe how the songwriters engage the listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply listing details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally wounded from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to express your feelings through a genuine testimonial song. Pouring your pain into the lyrics often gives the impression of self-centeredness, unless you are composing a sorrowful country song that resonates with heartbreak. If that is your intention, then pursue it, but understand that it is not a testament to your experiences, rather just a melancholic country tune.
Considering your audience's perspective, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own personal struggles to deal with. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they provide a safe space for you to express your dysfunction and wounds. When it comes to your lyrics, think about the impact they will have on your listeners. What 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 effectively created a lively and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that conveys a universal message based on Scripture. Instead of focusing on writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore more positive Scriptural themes that showcase the transformative and healing power of God in overcoming any negative circumstances. There are numerous approaches to expressing your testimony, so it would be worth considering other methods before sharing your pain with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that reflects how God has overcome and succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It might be beneficial for you to write such songs for yourself as well, but it's important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves 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 taken to reach it.
In our comprehensive eight-week online coaching and mentoring program called NCS Pro Song Mastery, we delve deep into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals may be searching for free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you have a strong desire to advance your songwriting skills and are committed to developing your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will allow us to determine if our program is a suitable fit for your needs. Don't hesitate to schedule your free call today.
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