Personal Blog
Expressing Your Personal Experience
I found my faith in Christ despite the challenges and hardships of my childhood that many today refer to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 1970s. We were unaware that our experiences would later be labeled as such, but miraculously, Jesus stepped into my life and made a difference.
My life went through a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the inexplicable affection that Jesus has for us.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely disrupted. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through the highs and lows, the successes and hardships, and even the positive experiences. I can confidently say that my life took a completely different path 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 what keeps me going. This is why I choose to be a Christian songwriter, aiming to assist others in creating songs that can convey the incredible reality of this. The fundamental belief of Nashville Christian Songwriters is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual in the world, and that is why we have created various platforms such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood in church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. In my conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have shown interest in our coaching programs, I have encountered many individuals who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce. They are eager to learn how to communicate their suffering through their music and how God provided them with strength and support during those difficult times. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously sustains us through them."
However, the question arises of 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 through Christian music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in contemplating the best ways to capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that numerous individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. By allowing people to connect with your story, you are opening the door for them to be a part of your song. It is important for us to find traces of our own experiences within yours. This enables us to become emotionally invested in your story and connect with it on a deeper level.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captivates us and reminds us of something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours and former student from NCS, has endured the heartbreak of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. She channels her emotions into her music and ministry, primarily catering to grieving families. However, she also includes universal themes in her songs that resonate with anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which is all of us. These elements allow listeners to connect and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement was made by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, but it's actually not. The first point emphasizes the importance of choosing a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point advises against including excessive and irrelevant details in your song that may confuse or disengage your listeners. By avoiding going into too much depth about specific locations, times, dates, names, or other unnecessary information, you can prevent the risk of losing your audience's interest.
When you are able to identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can personally connect with, you are inviting me to be a part of your narrative. If the specific details in your story do not align with my own experiences, it may discourage my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive details in order to focus on the emotions you felt during the difficult situation, and ultimately shift the narrative towards 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 specific details in your story that are unique to you and may not resonate with others. To assist in writing a song, it can be helpful to find examples of songs that convey the kind of emotion you desire and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in that emotion rather than simply listing details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still feeling the emotional pain and aftermath of a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your raw emotions in your lyrics may be seen as self-centered, unless you're creating a heartfelt country song that resonates with sorrow. If that's your intention, then by all means, pursue it. However, it's important to recognize that such a song is not necessarily a testament to your experience, but rather a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it is important to recognize that they likely have their own share of problems to handle. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be receptive for very long. That is why therapists and journals exist; they serve as outlets for your personal struggles and pains. It is crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you inviting them into? How will they feel once they have heard your song?
I believe that Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have effectively created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that encapsulates a universal message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, you could explore Scriptural themes that highlight the transformative power of God over any negativity. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before delving into your personal pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that highlights how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way of releasing emotions, while testimonials commemorate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced, ultimately leading to victory in your soul.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we explore testimony songs and various other topics. While many individuals may prefer free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are serious about advancing 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 will allow you to determine if our program is suitable for your needs, with no obligation to commit. To schedule your free call, please click here.
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