Personal Blog
Sharing my Journey to Finding Christ
Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s, my childhood was far from ideal, often described as "dysfunctional" by others. However, at that time, we were simply navigating through life without realizing the significance of our experiences. Little did I know that Jesus would eventually step into my life and bring about a transformation.
My life underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in discovering and experiencing the incomprehensible love that Jesus has for me for the very first time.
The photo credit for this image goes to Laura E
In a split second, my entire life was completely disrupted. This very love has kept me going for more than five decades, through all the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. The truth is, my life's course was permanently altered when I first experienced God's love at the age of eighteen.
The main reason for my existence and the work that I do is because of this. This is what motivates me to be a Christian songwriter and assist others in writing songs that can capture the incredible truth of this. The fundamental belief of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love during your childhood in a church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It could also be that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss in your life. Many Christian songwriters, who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce, have approached us about our coaching programs. They express a desire to learn how to creatively convey their pain and how God has provided them with strength throughout their struggles. According to James Finley, God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, it is important to consider how we can effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs.
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories in Christian songs, how can we effectively capture our testimonies? In this regard, I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in thoughtfully communicating your experiences in a way that resonates with listeners, providing them with solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin, attempt to discover a shared element within your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Almost everyone has experienced loneliness or feeling lost at some point. By allowing people to relate to your story, you create a connection that draws them into your song. It's important to incorporate elements of our own experiences into your narrative, so that we can personally connect with and appreciate your story.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we've personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our friends and a former student of NCS, Becky Norquist, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, Becky focuses on providing support for families coping with grief. However, she also incorporates broader themes into her songs so that all of us, who have experienced any form of loss, can find something relatable and stay connected to her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement was made by Dave Clark from Lillenas Music, who is known for his extensive songwriting and publishing work. This particular statement has stuck with me because it may seem contradictory at first, but it actually makes sense. The first point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point emphasizes the importance of avoiding irrelevant details in your lyrics that don't add value for the listener. Going into excessive specifics such as location, time, dates, names, and other unnecessary information can potentially disconnect the listener from the song.
When you are able to identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, it allows me to become engaged in your narrative. If the specific details of your story do not align with my own experiences, it may deter me from fully connecting with it. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient details and avoiding overwhelming the listener. The key is to focus on conveying how you felt during your journey and ultimately redirecting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that expresses the ways in which God has brought victory into your life.
It is important to remember the unique aspects of your own story that may not be relatable to others. To assist in writing a song, it can be helpful to study examples of the type of song you want to create and observe how the songwriters engage listeners emotionally instead of simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally affected by a traumatic event, it can be challenging to write a genuine testimonial song about it. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are composing a country song that captures the essence of heartbreak. If that is the direction you want to take, then go ahead and do it, but be aware that it would not be considered a true testimony, but rather a somber country song.
Considering your audience's perspective, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and difficulties to navigate. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be inclined to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – to provide an outlet for your personal struggles and wounds. It's crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on 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 done an excellent job with their lively praise song "My Testimony" by conveying a universal message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your childhood story, it may be more effective to focus on positive themes from the Bible that showcase how God's healing power triumphs over negativity. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that showcases the ways in which God has overcome obstacles in your life. Expressing your emotions and finding release is crucial for your emotional well-being. It might be beneficial for you to write such songs for your own personal catharsis, but it's important to note that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing negative emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your inner being regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which spans over eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into the art of composing testimony songs and explore various other aspects. While many individuals might be seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and feel a deep calling to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a no-cost, no-pressure phone call. This call will help determine if our program aligns with your needs. You can book your free consultation by clicking here.
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