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Expressing Through Your Personal Experience
My journey towards finding faith in Christ began during a challenging childhood that is often described as "dysfunctional" by society. However, during the tumultuous times of the 1960s and 70s, my family and I were simply navigating through life without the knowledge that our experiences would one day be labeled as such. Nevertheless, Jesus somehow intervened and played a significant role in transforming my life.
I went through a profound change when somebody assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the incomprehensible love that Jesus has for us.
This photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. It is this very love that 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 positive moments as well. My personal experience attests 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 motivation is what keeps me going. It drives me to pursue my passion as a Christian songwriter and assist others in writing songs that capture the incredible truth. The fundamental belief of Nashville Christian Songwriters is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth, which is the purpose behind all our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs.
Do you have a personal story to share?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood while attending church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a heartbreaking loss that shattered you. Many Christian songwriters have expressed interest in our coaching programs, sharing their stories of immense pain, abuse, or divorce, and their desire to learn how to convey their experiences and how God helped them endure. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from anything, but remarkably supports us through everything."
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful musical compositions? How can we transform our testimonies into impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences through Christian music, it can be challenging. To assist you in effectively conveying your testimonies in songs that resonate with listeners and provide them with solace, healing, and optimism, I have three valuable tips.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
All individuals have experienced loneliness or feeling lost at some point. Connecting with others through personal stories allows them to relate and engage with your music. It is important to incorporate elements of our shared experiences within your narrative, allowing listeners to insert their own stories and ultimately connect with yours on a deeper level.
If there is nothing in your story that captures our attention and reminds us of something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours and former student at NCS, went through the difficult experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are centered around providing support for grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her music so that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and stay engaged with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or sentiment 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 piece of advice that has stuck with me. Although it may seem contradictory at first, it is not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion that will serve as the foundation for your song. The second point emphasizes the importance of avoiding unnecessary details that do not contribute to the listener's understanding or enjoyment of the song. If you delve too deeply into specifics such as location, time, dates, names, or other particulars, you run the risk of disengaging your audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can personally connect with, you are welcoming me into your narrative. If the specific details of your experience don't align with mine, it may discourage me. However, despite this challenge, it is achievable. You can acquire the skill of providing the right amount of detail, neither excessive nor insufficient, to focus on your emotions during the difficult period and then shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
A testimonial song is a type of song that expresses how God has achieved victory in your own personal experiences and life.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own story that may not be relatable to others. One way to improve your songwriting is to study the techniques used by successful songwriters who effectively evoke emotions in their listeners instead of simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still feeling the emotional pain and suffering from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that reflects your true feelings. Expressing your anguish too openly in your lyrics may be seen as self-centered, unless you're composing a typical country song that embraces sadness and heartbreak. If that's the direction you want to take, then go ahead and pursue it, but it's important to recognize that it won't be considered a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to remember that they likely have their own problems and struggles 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 dysfunction and hurts. 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 succeeded in creating a fantastic praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a broad message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song focused solely on your childhood experiences, you could explore more uplifting biblical themes that showcase God's ability to bring healing and overcome negativity. There are countless ways to express your testimony, so it might be beneficial to explore alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that depicts how God succeeded in your life. It is crucial to have a cathartic release for your emotional well-being. It might be beneficial to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to understand the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing pent-up emotions, while testimonials rejoice in God's triumph over the challenges you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your innermost being regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore the depths of testimony songs and much more. While many individuals prefer to access free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and are driven by a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can utilize the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call does not come with any obligations and is solely meant to determine whether this program is suitable for you. Book your free call by following this link.
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