Personal Blog
Sharing my Journey to Finding Faith
Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s, my childhood was far from perfect. What society now labels as "dysfunctional," was simply the reality of my daily life. Back then, we had no idea that our experiences would be categorized with such a term. However, amidst the chaos, Jesus found a way to make a profound impact on my life.
I went through a significant change in my life when someone assisted me in experiencing the indescribable love that Jesus has for me.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. It is this exact love that has supported and guided me for more than five decades, through all the highs and lows, the victories and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced 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. Being a Christian songwriter, my goal is to assist others in creating songs that can effectively convey this incredible reality. The fundamental principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters is our desire to spread the love of Jesus to all individuals across the globe. This purpose is reflected in all our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs.
What is your personal story or experience with God? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have reached out to us about our coaching programs. They want to learn how to express their pain and how God has helped them through it. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather supports us miraculously through them.
However, is there a way for us to effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through powerful musical compositions?
As we navigate through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may assist you in contemplating how to authentically capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that most people are familiar with. To engage others in your story, it is important to provide them with relatable experiences. By incorporating aspects of our own lives into your narrative, we are able to connect and develop a deeper connection with your story.
In order for us to stay engaged, your story needs to resonate with us and bring to mind experiences that we can relate to. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend, went through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also includes universal themes in her songs that allow anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – to connect with her music and stay connected.
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 stuck with me ever since. Although it may seem contradictory at first, it is not. The initial point 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 do not benefit the listener. If you delve too deeply into specific locations, dates, names, or other specifics, you may risk losing the audience's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, it allows me to become engaged in your narrative. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it may discourage me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to find a balance between providing sufficient information and overwhelming the listener, with the focus being on conveying your emotions during the difficult period and subsequently highlighting the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a song of testimony is one that demonstrates the victory of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own experiences that may not be relatable to others. One way to improve your songwriting is by seeking out examples of songs that evoke certain emotions and studying how the writers engage listeners without solely focusing on specific details.
Next, it's important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling the emotional and physical pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Pouring out your emotions in your lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are creating a heartfelt country song that allows for expressing sadness. If that is your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it won't be a genuine testimonial, but rather a melancholic country song.
By prioritizing your audience, you may come to realize that they likely have their own share of difficulties to handle. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. That is why professionals like therapists and personal journals exist. Their purpose is to provide a safe space for you to express your dysfunction and pain. It is important to consider the impact of your lyrics on your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you creating for them? How will they feel after hearing your song?
I believe that Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their uplifting and worshipful song "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is rooted in Scripture and applicable to a wide audience. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your own childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase how God's healing power can overcome any negative circumstances. There are numerous approaches you can take to express your testimony, so I encourage you to consider alternative methods before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a way to express how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is essential for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. While it may be beneficial to write these songs for yourself, it is important to understand that there is a distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a means of releasing emotions, while testimonials highlight God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of how you reach that point.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we explore testimony songs and many other topics. While many individuals may be interested in accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will allow you to determine whether this program is suitable for you, and there is no obligation to commit. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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