Personal Blog
Sharing My Journey to Finding Christ
I found my way to Christ during a challenging and chaotic upbringing that is often described as "dysfunctional." Back in the 1960s and '70s, my family and I were simply living through the turbulent times without realizing that our experiences would later be labeled in such a way. However, it was during this period that Jesus miraculously entered my life and made a significant impact.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the unexplainable and immense love that Jesus possesses.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has supported and guided me for more than five decades, throughout all the highs and lows, successes and sorrows, and also the joyful moments. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced the 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 this. I am a Christian songwriter and my goal is to assist others in creating songs that can capture the essence of this extraordinary reality. The fundamental principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our 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 a sense of God's love during your childhood in church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It could also be that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. In my conversations with Christian songwriters seeking our coaching programs, I have discovered that many of them have gone through immense pain, abuse, or divorce. They are eager to learn how to express their suffering and how God has supported them through it. As James Finley suggests, God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously upholds us amidst them.
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows that come with it. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in considering how to capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with love, solace, and optimism.
Begin by searching for a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that are universally understood. By sharing a story that others can relate to, you create a connection that allows them to become a part of your narrative. It is important to intertwine our own experiences in order to truly connect with and appreciate someone else's story.
If your story fails to resonate with us and bring to mind something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances, Becky Norquist, who is a former student of NCS, has gone through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are centered around providing solace to grieving families, but she has also skillfully incorporated broader themes into her music that allow anyone who has experienced any type of loss, which includes all of us, to connect with her songs and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember hearing songwriter and publisher Dave Clark (from Lillenas Music) say this statement, 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 (such as an emotion) to base your song on. The second point advises against including unnecessary details in your song that may confuse or disengage your listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, times, dates, names, or other particulars, there is a chance that you may lose your audience's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you allow me to connect with your song. If the specifics of your story don't align with mine, it may disengage me. Although it may seem difficult, it is possible. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the challenging experience and then shifts towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a musical expression that highlights the triumph of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your personal experiences that may not resonate with others. To enhance your songwriting, it can be beneficial to study songs similar to the one you wish to create and observe how the writers engage listeners with emotions rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically compose a song that reflects your true testimony. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics may be perceived as self-centered, unless you are aiming to create a country song that captures the essence of sorrow and heartbreak. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but bear in mind that it would not be considered a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to handle. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. That's why therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide an outlet for your difficulties and emotional pain. It's crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their energetic praise song "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is rooted in Scripture and appeals to a wide audience. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your childhood experiences, it might be more effective to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase God's ability to heal and overcome negativity. There are countless ways to express your testimony, so I encourage you to explore different approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that reflects how God has overcome difficulties in your life. It is important for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. While it may be beneficial for you to write songs for your own cathartic release, it is crucial to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial songs. Testimonials are about celebrating God's triumph over the challenges you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your soul regardless of the path taken to get there.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of crafting testimony songs and much more. While there are many individuals who are content with accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are seeking to deepen your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call comes with no obligations and serves as an opportunity to determine if our program aligns with your needs. Book your free call now.
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