Personal Blog Post
Sharing My Journey of Finding Faith
Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s, my childhood was far from ordinary. It was marked by hardship and dysfunction, although we didn't have a specific label for it back then. Little did I know that amidst the chaos, Jesus would step into my life and bring about a profound change.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in experiencing the incomprehensible affection that Jesus has for us.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In just a moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love that I have experienced for more than half a century has been my source of strength during both the difficult and joyful moments. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason why I continue to exist and pursue my passion is because of this one thing. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in creating songs that can convey this incredible truth. This principle is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all of our content, including 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?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood church experiences, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It is also possible that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss. I have had conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce, and have expressed their desire to learn how to convey their suffering and how God has provided them with strength throughout it. According to James Finley, God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through every situation.
However, the question remains: how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful songs?
Throughout our journey in life, we experience both the joys and sorrows it has to offer. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences and testimonies in Christian songs, how can we do it effectively? Here are three valuable tips that aim to assist you in considering the best approaches to convey your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element or theme within your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
We are all familiar with the emotions of loneliness and feeling lost at times. When you share your story in a relatable manner, it allows people to connect with it on a personal level. It is important for us to find a common thread between our own experiences and yours. This enables us to relate and become invested in your story by filling in the gaps with our own narratives.
If there isn't anything in your story that captures our attention and resonates with an experience we have gone through, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances, Becky Norquist, who is a former student of NCS, has personally experienced five miscarriages and one stillbirth. She has dedicated her songs and ministry to supporting grieving families, while also incorporating universal themes that anyone who has suffered any kind of loss – which includes 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
The statement I once heard from Dave Clark, a successful songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, stuck with me. 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. The second point is to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that might not be useful to the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other particulars, there's a chance of losing your audience's interest.
When you are able to identify the shared experiences and emotions in your story that resonate with me, you make me feel included in your narrative. Inconsistencies between your details and mine can be off-putting. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve a balance between providing sufficient details and overwhelming the reader. The key is to focus on conveying your emotions throughout the trial and ultimately shifting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that tells the story of how God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to consider the unique aspects of your own experiences that may not be relatable to others. To better understand how to engage listeners on an emotional level, it can be helpful to study songs that are similar to the one you want to write and observe how the songwriters effectively evoke emotions rather than simply stating facts.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally and physically affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that serves as a testimonial to that event. Expressing your pain and vulnerability through lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are composing a traditional country song that revolves around heartbreak. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it is important to acknowledge that it is not a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own set of problems to deal with. If you burden them with your own issues, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals like therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide an outlet for your pain and struggles. It's crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you creating for them? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have effectively created a lively and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that conveys a broad message based on scripture. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore positive themes from scripture that highlight God's healing power in overcoming negativity. There are many different approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be helpful to consider alternative ways before delving into personal pain in your song.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that highlights the ways in which God has succeeded in your life. Expressing and releasing emotions is crucial for your emotional well-being. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to recognize the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials focus on celebrating God's ability to overcome the challenges you have faced and achieve victory within your innermost being, 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 much more. While many individuals are seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are serious about advancing your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call is not binding and serves as an opportunity to determine if this program is suitable for you. Take advantage of this opportunity and schedule your free call today.
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