Personal Testimony Blog
Sharing my Journey to Christ
I found my way to Christ amidst a challenging upbringing that many would describe as "dysfunctional" today. However, during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s, my family and I were simply navigating through life without realizing that our experiences would later be categorized as such. Despite the lack of awareness, Jesus miraculously intervened in my life during that time.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a profound connection with the indescribable affection of Jesus for the very first time.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. This love that I have experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the challenges and successes, as well as the joyful moments. The turning point in my life occurred when I first experienced the love of God at the age of eighteen, and it has forever altered the course of my journey.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work as a Christian songwriter is to express the incredible reality of God's love. This belief is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our content such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs aim to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood in church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction, or even if you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. I have had conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have shown interest in our coaching programs, and many of them have endured tremendous suffering such as abuse, divorce, or other hardships. They seek to learn how to express their pain through their music and also how to convey the way in which God has been their source of strength throughout these trials. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from difficulties, but rather miraculously supports us through every challenge."
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, 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 finding the most impactful ways to share your experiences with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared theme in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that we all can relate to at times. By sharing a story that others can connect with, you are creating an opportunity for them to become engaged in your song. It is important to incorporate elements of our own experiences into your narrative so that listeners can fill in the gaps with their own stories and develop an emotional connection with yours.
If there is nothing in your story that captures our attention and resonates with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our friends and a former student of NCS, Becky Norquist, went through the heartache of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her songs so that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or sentiment rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, who shared an important piece of advice that has stayed with me. Although it may seem contradictory, his point is actually quite straightforward. The first step is to identify a central theme or emotion that will serve as the foundation for your song. The second point emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary details in your lyrics. Providing excessive information about locations, time, dates, names, or other specifics can distract and disengage the listener. It's crucial to strike a balance and avoid overwhelming them with unnecessary information.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, it encourages me to engage with your song. If the specifics of your story don't align with mine, it can make me lose interest. It may seem challenging, but it is achievable. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the difficult experience and then shift 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 achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your story that we may not be able to relate to. To assist in writing a song, it can be beneficial to look for examples of songs that evoke specific emotions and examine how the songwriters engage the listeners rather than simply listing details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally and physically affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that reflects your feelings about it. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics may appear self-centered, unless you are specifically aiming for a classic country song that evokes sorrow. If that's your intention, then pursue it, but understand that it won't be considered a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it is important to acknowledge that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to endure. If you simply unload your own pain 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 dysfunctional emotions and hurts. Take a moment to reflect on how your lyrics will impact 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 done an impressive job with their uplifting praise song called "My Testimony." They have effectively conveyed a message based on scripture that can resonate with a wide audience. Instead of writing a story song about your childhood, it might be worth considering exploring positive themes from scripture that highlight God's healing power over any negative experiences. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore some alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that reflects on how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It may be beneficial for you to write songs for your own personal catharsis, but it is important to recognize the distinction between the two types of songs. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumphs over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path you took to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals may only seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a deep sense of purpose in building your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call to determine if this program aligns with your goals. Book your complimentary call now.
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