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Expressing Your Personal Story
I found my way towards Christ during a challenging childhood that is commonly referred to as "dysfunctional" these days. However, back then, it was just how life was during the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s. We were unaware that there would be a specific term for the difficulties we faced, but Jesus somehow intervened in my life.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a profound connection with the incomprehensible affection that Jesus possesses.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely disrupted. This love that I have experienced has been my source of strength for more than five decades, supporting me through all the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and the positive experiences as well. The significant moment that altered the course of my life occurred when I first felt God's love at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and my passion for my work as a Christian songwriter is rooted in this driving force. I strive to assist others in crafting songs that can effectively convey the incredible truth of this reality. The fundamental principle that guides Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to people worldwide.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood church days, or perhaps you turned to Him later in life due to addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss which shattered you. Many Christian songwriters who have faced significant hardships, such as abuse, divorce, or grief, have reached out to us about our coaching programs. They desire to learn how to convey their pain through their music and share how God helped them endure those difficult times. James Finley suggests that although God doesn't shield us from suffering, He miraculously upholds us through it all.
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may aid you in brainstorming ways to authentically capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, offering them solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element or theme within your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common experiences that everyone can relate to at some point. When sharing your story, it is important to make it relatable so that people can connect with it. By incorporating elements of our own experiences, we are able to become emotionally invested in your story.
If there isn't anything in your story that resonates with us and reminds us of our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours and former student of NCS, went through the challenging experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also includes enough universal themes in her songs so that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – all of us – can relate and continue to connect with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I still remember when Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, shared this insightful advice. 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 emphasizes the importance of excluding unnecessary details in your song that may not be helpful to your listeners. If you delve too much into specific locations, dates, names, and other particulars, there's a risk of losing the audience's interest.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your narrative that resonates with me, you allow me to connect with your song. If the specific details of your story do not align with mine, it can deter my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve this. You can acquire the ability to find the right amount of detail, neither overwhelming nor insufficient, to focus on your emotions during the ordeal and subsequently shift towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a song of testimony is one that demonstrates the ways in which God has achieved victory in your personal life.
It is important to acknowledge the unique details that are specific to your own experiences, which may make it difficult for others to relate to your story. To aid in your songwriting process, it can be helpful to study examples of songs that evoke certain emotions and observe how the songwriters engage listeners without simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally wounded from a traumatic experience, it can be difficult to create an honest and authentic song about it. Expressing your pain through lyrics can often be seen as self-centered, unless you are composing a traditional country song meant to evoke sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it won't be a sincere testimony but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and difficulties to contend with. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as a safe outlet for expressing and processing your personal struggles. Therefore, when creating lyrics, it's crucial to think about the impact they will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you inviting them into? How will they feel once they've heard your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have succeeded in creating a remarkable and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a broad message rooted in Scripture. Instead of crafting a song that delves into your personal childhood experiences, you might want to explore Scriptural themes that highlight the transformative and healing power of God in overcoming negative situations. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative approaches before sharing your burdensome emotions with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a way to express how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important and even necessary for your emotional well-being to have a release of emotions. It might be helpful for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to remember that there is a distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way to release emotions, while testimonials are a way to celebrate God's victory over the difficulties you have faced, ultimately leading to victory in your soul regardless of the path you took.
In our eight-week online coaching and mentoring program called NCS Pro Song Mastery, we explore the power of 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 feel a deep desire to enhance your ministry, you can click on the provided link to schedule a free phone call with no strings attached. During this call, we can discuss whether this program is suitable for you. Take the opportunity to schedule your free call here.
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