Personal Blog
Expressing from Your Own Life Experience
My journey towards finding faith in Christ started during a challenging upbringing that many today refer to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous period of the 1960s and '70s. At the time, we were unaware that our experiences would eventually be categorized under a specific term, but Jesus somehow intervened and had a profound impact on my life.
My life underwent a significant change when I received assistance in establishing a deep connection with the indescribable love that Jesus embodies for the very first time.
The photo was taken by a photographer named Laura E
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and the moments of joy as well. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced the overwhelming love of God for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is the love of Jesus. I am a Christian songwriter dedicated to assisting others in expressing this incredible reality through songs. The main principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters is to spread the love of Jesus to all individuals worldwide through our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love when you were young and attended church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that you were deeply affected by a significant loss and found solace in God. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They are eager to learn how to convey their suffering and how God supported them in those difficult times. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously helps us endure them.
However, the question 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 music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this article, I will provide three helpful tips to assist you in creatively capturing your own experiences in a way that resonates with listeners and offers them comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element within your narrative that numerous individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that most people are familiar with. To engage others with your story, it is important to create a connection that allows them to relate to it. By incorporating elements of our own experiences, we can better connect with and appreciate your story.
If your story doesn't captivate us and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, has gone through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are dedicated to supporting families who are grieving, but she also incorporates universal themes in her songs that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which is all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, who shared a valuable insight that has stuck with me ever since. Although it may seem contradictory at first, his point is actually quite valid. The initial step is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that could confuse or distract your listener. Going into too much detail about specific locations, times, dates, names, or other particulars can potentially alienate your audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can understand, you welcome me to be a part of your narrative. If your specifics do not align with mine, it can deter me. It may seem challenging, but it is achievable. You can acquire the skill of including the right amount of details to focus on your personal emotions during the challenging experience and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that reflects on how God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique elements of your own story that may not resonate with others. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that align with the type of song you want to write and observe how the songwriters engage listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply stating facts.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your pain too openly in your lyrics may appear self-focused, unless you're composing a melancholic country song. If that's your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it won't be a genuine testimony but rather a sorrowful country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to understand that they likely have their own problems and challenges 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 serve as outlets for your personal struggles 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, the team of Brandon Lake and Elevation Worship have successfully created a lively and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song that solely focuses on your childhood experiences, it might be worth considering incorporating positive themes from the Bible that highlight God's healing abilities in overcoming negative aspects of life. There are numerous approaches to sharing your personal testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore different methods before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that reflects how God has overcome and triumphed in your life. It is important, and even essential, for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. While you may also write these songs for yourself, it is important to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonial songs. Catharsis involves releasing and letting go, while testimonials celebrate God's victory over the challenges you have faced, ultimately bringing triumph to your soul regardless of the path taken.
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 many other aspects of songwriting. While many individuals are interested in finding 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 use the provided link to arrange a free phone call. During this call, we can discuss if this program aligns with your goals and aspirations. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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