Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
I embraced Christianity after experiencing a challenging childhood that is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." However, during the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 1970s, we were unaware that our way of life would be labeled in such a way. Nonetheless, Jesus somehow intervened and had a profound impact on my life.
My life went through a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the inexplicable love that Jesus embodies.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This love has been the source of my strength and support for more than fifty years, guiding me through the highs and lows, the successes and hardships, and even the joyful moments. I can confidently say that my life took a completely different path when I experienced the overwhelming love of God for the first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is centered on this particular aspect. It is the driving force that led me to become a Christian songwriter and assist others in creating songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. It serves as the fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our various platforms such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood church experiences, or perhaps you found Him later in life as a way to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. In our coaching programs for Christian songwriters, I've had conversations with many individuals who have faced immense hardship, such as abuse or divorce, and they have expressed a desire to learn how to convey their pain and how God has provided them with strength throughout their struggles. James Finley once said, "God doesn't shield us from difficulties, but rather miraculously supports us through them."
However, the question remains: how can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the joys and hardships that come our way. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in contemplating the best approach to capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, offering them solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
We all have experienced loneliness or a sense of being directionless at times. By allowing people to relate to your story, you can effectively engage them in your song. It is important for us to find elements of our own experiences within your story, so that we can connect with and become invested in it.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend, has endured the painful experience of going through five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry revolve around supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates broader themes in her songs that can resonate with anyone who has experienced any kind of loss. This allows all of us to find something relatable in her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement was originally made by Dave Clark (Lillenas Music), a well-known songwriter and publisher, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. This second point advises against including irrelevant details in your song that might confuse or disengage your listener. If you delve too deeply into specifics like locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other unnecessary details, you may end up losing your audience's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you make me feel included in your narrative. If the specific details you provide are different from my own experiences, it might deter my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing adequate details and avoiding excessive information, with the aim of focusing on your emotions during the challenging times and then shifting towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that demonstrates the victories and successes that God has brought into your life.
It is important to note the specific details in your story that are unique to you and may not resonate with others. To improve your songwriting, it can be useful to study songs that evoke certain emotions and observe how the writers engage listeners without merely listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand and differentiate between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your personal struggles in your lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are composing a heartfelt country song that embraces vulnerability. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it may not be seen as a genuine testimony, rather just a sorrowful country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to contend 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 serve as a safe space for you to express your dysfunctions and hurts. It's crucial to think about 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 an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore positive biblical themes that highlight God's ability to bring healing and triumph over any negative circumstances. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be wise to explore different approaches before sharing your personal pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that showcases how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. You may consider writing these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to distinguish between catharsis and testimonial songs. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, we offer an eight-week online coaching and mentoring experience where we delve into testimony songs and various 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 schedule a free phone call. This call will allow us to determine if our program is the right fit for you, and there is no obligation to participate. Take the opportunity to schedule your free call here.
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