Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
Growing up in the chaotic and unsettled era of the 1960s and '70s, my childhood was far from perfect. It was only later that society labeled it as "dysfunctional." However, amidst the struggles, Jesus played a significant role in my life, bringing about a positive change.
My life underwent a profound change when someone guided me to experience the indescribable love of Jesus for the very first time.
Image taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my whole life was completely transformed. This love, which has been with me for more than five decades, has carried me through all the highs and lows, the moments of success and loss, and the joyful experiences as well. The story of my life is that everything shifted permanently when I experienced God's love for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason I continue to be present and pursue my passion is because of this particular factor. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in creating songs that can articulate this incredible truth. The central principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various 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 the love of God when you were young and attending church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss which shattered you. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have reached out to us about our coaching programs. They are eager to learn how to express their suffering and how God provided them with strength and support during those difficult times. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously helps us endure them.
However, the question still remains – how can we effectively express our personal stories and experiences through powerful and 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 may assist you in considering how to skillfully capture your personal experiences in a way that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
To start, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
We all have experienced loneliness or feeling lost at some point in our lives. By allowing people to relate to your story, you can effectively engage them in your song. It is important for us to find a connection between our own experiences and yours. This enables us to become emotionally invested in your story.
If your story doesn't captivate us and resonate with something we've personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and our friend, went through a challenging journey of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry primarily address the struggles of grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has encountered any form of loss – which includes all of us – can connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to the concept by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has always stuck with me. At first glance, this may seem contradictory, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that may not be helpful to your listener. If you delve too deeply into specifics like location, time, dates, names, or other details, there is a chance that your audience may become disengaged.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you are encouraging me to become a part of your narrative. If the specifics of your story do not align with mine, it may disinterest me. Although it may seem challenging, it is achievable. You can learn to find the right amount of details, neither too little nor too excessive, to focus on the emotions you experienced during the difficult time and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a musical expression that demonstrates the triumph of God in someone's life.
…a testimonial song is a musical representation that reveals the victory of God in an individual's personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own personal experiences that may not be relatable to others. To assist in your songwriting, it can be helpful to look for examples of songs that capture the emotions you wish to convey, and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in those emotions rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling emotional and wounded from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that truly reflects your personal testimony. Expressing your pain through lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are composing a heartfelt country song that resonates with the theme of sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it's important to recognize that it is not a genuine testimony but rather a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to cope 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 outlet for you to express your dysfunction and emotional pain. It's crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on the 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 energetic and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message based on biblical teachings. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore positive themes from Scripture that highlight God's ability to bring healing and transformation to difficult situations. There are numerous approaches to expressing your personal testimony, so it would be wise to explore alternative ways before sharing your pain with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is one that reflects on how God has brought triumph into your life. It is important, and even necessary, for your emotional well-being to have a release of emotions. You may also consider writing these songs for yourself, but it is important to distinguish between the two types. Catharsis is a way to release emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's victory over the hardships you have faced, ultimately bringing triumph to your soul, regardless of the path taken.
In our eight-week online coaching and mentoring program, NCS Pro Song Mastery, we explore the depths of testimony songs and much more. While many people seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a deep desire to establish your ministry, click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will help determine if our program is suitable for your needs. Book your free call appointment here, without any obligation.
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