Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
My journey to finding faith in Christ began during a challenging childhood that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" by society today. However, back then, it was simply our way of life during the tumultuous era of the 1960s and '70s. At that time, we were unaware that our experiences would later be labeled as such, but miraculously, Jesus entered my life and brought about a significant change.
I underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the overwhelming and indescribable love that Jesus possesses.
The photo credit belongs to Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely altered. The love I experienced during that time has been a source of strength and support for me for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and all the positive experiences as well. I firmly believe that my life's path was permanently transformed when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The purpose behind my presence and actions is the same. It is the motivation for my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist you in creating songs that can convey the incredible truth of this. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our platforms, including 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 God's love during your childhood at church, or you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss. Many Christian songwriters who have gone through great suffering, abuse, or divorce have approached us about our coaching programs. They have a desire to learn how to articulate their pain and how God has supported them through it. As James Finley states, "God does not shield us from hardships, but amazingly provides us with the strength to endure them."
However, the question remains, how can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through impactful and memorable songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences through Christian songs, it can be challenging. To assist you in effectively capturing your testimonies and resonating with listeners, I have three helpful tips. These suggestions aim to ensure that your songs are not only loved by others but also provide them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Begin by searching for a shared theme within your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Everyone is familiar with the emotions of loneliness and feeling lost at certain points in their lives. The most effective way to connect with others through your story is by allowing them to relate to it. It is important to incorporate elements of our own experiences into your narrative, so that we can personally connect and become emotionally invested in your story.
In order for us to remain engaged, it is important that your story resonates with us and reminds us of our own experiences. An example of this is Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, who has endured the pain of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. While her songs and ministry primarily focus on offering support to grieving families, she skillfully incorporates broader themes into her music that anyone who has experienced any form of loss can relate to and remain connected to.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement that stuck with me was made by Dave Clark (Lillenas Music), a highly productive songwriter and publisher. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme (often an emotion) to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including irrelevant details in your song that do not benefit the listener. If you delve too much into specifics like location, time, dates, names, or other unnecessary information, there is a chance that the listener may lose interest.
When you identify the shared experiences and emotions in your story that resonate with me, it allows me to connect with your song. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient details to convey your emotions during the difficult time and shifting the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that tells the story of how God brought victory and success into your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that showcases the ways in which God achieved triumph and success in your personal journey.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own story that may not be relatable to others. To better understand how to evoke emotions in your songwriting, it can be helpful to study examples of songs that resonate with you and observe how the writers engage listeners in an emotional experience rather than simply listing specific details.
The third important thing to understand is the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to authentically write a song that reflects your personal testimony. Expressing your pain through lyrics may sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are specifically creating a country song that resonates with people's emotions. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it is important to acknowledge that it would be categorized as a melancholic country song rather than a genuine testimony.
When considering your audience, it's important to acknowledge that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to cope with. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. That's why therapists and journals exist – to provide a safe outlet for your dysfunction and hurts. It's crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional space 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 "My Testimony" by conveying a message rooted in Scripture that resonates with a wide audience. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your personal childhood story, it might be beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase God's healing power in the face of adversity. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be worthwhile to consider alternative methods before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that highlights how God prevailed in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. Perhaps you should also write these songs for yourself, but it is important to understand the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials rejoice in God's triumph over the hardships you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve deep into the art of writing songs that are based on personal testimonies, among other topics. While many individuals may seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a strong desire to enhance your ministry through music, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call will allow you to determine if our program is suitable for you, without any obligations. Click here to schedule your complimentary call.
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