Personal Blog
Sharing from My Personal Experience
I discovered my faith in Christ during a challenging childhood that many would label as "dysfunctional" nowadays. However, back in the 1960s and '70s, it was just the norm for us. We had no idea that there would be a specific term for the difficulties we faced, but somehow Jesus stepped into my life and made a difference.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in experiencing the unimaginable affection that Jesus has for us.
The photo is credited to Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. This love that I experienced has been the source of my strength and endurance for more than five decades, helping me navigate through both the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. My personal account is that my life's path took a permanent shift 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 the love of Jesus. As a Christian songwriter, my goal is to assist you in creating songs that capture the profound truth of this love. This principle is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal experience or story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. Alternatively, you may have been deeply affected by a significant loss. In my conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have shown interest in our coaching programs, many have gone through immense suffering, such as abuse or divorce. They are eager to learn how to express their pain through music and how God has provided them with strength and support. According to James Finley, although God doesn't shield us from hardships, He miraculously sustains us through them.
However, the question remains: How can we effectively convey 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 music, how can we do it effectively? In this article, I will provide you with three tips that can assist you in conveying your testimonies in a way that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are universal experiences that everyone can relate to. When you share your story in a way that resonates with others, it creates an opportunity for them to connect with your music. It's important for people to find elements of their own experiences within your songs, allowing them to relate and become emotionally invested in your story.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captures our attention and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a friend of ours, went through the heartbreaking experience 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 suffered any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to her music and remain engaged with it.
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 from Lillenas Music, who shared a memorable piece of advice. Although it may seem contradictory at first, it actually complements the first point. The initial point emphasizes the importance of finding a central theme or emotion to base your song on. On the other hand, this second point suggests avoiding unnecessary details that do not serve the listener. If you delve too deeply into specifics like locations, time, dates, names, or other particulars, there is a chance that the listener may lose interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you allow me to connect with your song. If the specific details you provide differ from my own experiences, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible. You can learn to find the right balance of providing sufficient but not excessive details to focus on the emotions you felt during the challenging period and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that demonstrates the victory of God in your personal life.
… a testimonial song is a musical representation of God's triumph in your own experiences.
It is important to acknowledge the unique details in your story that are personal to you and may not resonate with others. To assist in writing a song, it can be beneficial to explore examples of songs that evoke certain emotions and observe how the writers engage listeners, rather than simply listing specific details.
Additionally, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling the emotional pain and trauma from a difficult experience in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your raw emotions in your lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are writing a traditional country song that embraces expressing sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it may not necessarily convey a personal testimony, but rather a somber country song.
When you take into consideration your audience's perspective, you may come to realize that they most likely have their own struggles to deal with. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they are meant to provide a safe space for you to express your dysfunction and emotional wounds. It's important to consider 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 successfully created a lively and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your own childhood experiences, you could explore various positive themes from the Bible that illustrate how God's healing power can overcome any negativity. There are countless ways to express your personal testimony, so it may be beneficial to explore alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that tells a story of how God has prevailed in your life. The act of catharsis is crucial for your emotional well-being. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for your own personal healing, but it is important to recognize the 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 soul, regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore the significance of testimonial songs and a variety of other topics. While many individuals seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call does not entail any obligations and serves as an opportunity for you to determine if our program is suitable for your needs. You can schedule this call at your convenience using the link provided.
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