Personal Blog
Sharing from My Own Life Story
Growing up during the tumultuous 1960's and '70's, my childhood was marked by what is now referred to as a "dysfunctional" family. However, back then, it was simply the reality of our lives. Little did we know that our experiences would later be categorized under this label. Despite the challenges, Jesus played a significant role in transforming my life.
My life underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a profound connection with the overwhelming and incomprehensible love that Jesus embodies.
The photo credit is attributed to Laura E. Part
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. The love I experienced in that moment has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the challenging and joyful times. I can confidently say that my life took on a new direction when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is this. I am a songwriter who is committed to expressing the incredible reality of being a Christian. My purpose is to assist others in writing songs that can effectively convey this profound truth. The primary principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various platforms, such as 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? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or that you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. Perhaps you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce have approached us to learn how to express their struggles and how God has supported them through it all. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously carries us through them.
However, the question arises, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through impactful and remarkable songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? Here are three tips that may assist you in considering how to authentically capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared theme or element in your narrative that resonates with a wide audience.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common experiences that everyone can relate to. By allowing people to connect with your story, you are more likely to engage them in your song. It is important for our own experiences to resonate within your narrative, so that we can fill in the gaps with our own personal stories and ultimately connect with your music on a deeper level.
If your story fails to capture our attention and evoke memories of something we have personally faced, we will lose interest. A person we know, Becky Norquist, who was once a student at NCS, endured the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, she primarily addresses the struggles of grieving families. However, she cleverly incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has encountered any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher, once shared a valuable piece of advice that has stuck with me. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's actually quite logical. The initial point is to center your song around a common theme or emotion. The second point emphasizes the importance of not including unnecessary details in your song that may confuse or disengage your listener. If you delve too deeply into specifics such as locations, dates, names, or other particulars, there is a chance of losing your audience's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you are welcoming me into your narrative. If the specifics of your story do not align with mine, it may deter my interest. Though it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can learn to strike a balance between providing sufficient and excessive details to focus on your emotions during the difficult period, and then shift the focus towards how God's intervention brought redemption to your life.
A testimonial song is a type of song that expresses how God has succeeded in your life.
It is important to acknowledge the unique aspects of your story that are personal to you and may not be relatable to others. One helpful approach is to look for examples of songs that embody the emotions you want to convey, and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in those emotions rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you're still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that truly captures your feelings. Expressing your pain through lyrics may sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you're composing a typical country song that reflects on heartbreak. If that's the direction you want to take, then go ahead. However, it's important to understand that such a song is not a genuine testament to your experiences, but rather a melancholic country tune.
By prioritizing your audience, you may come to understand that they likely have their own challenges to cope with. If you unload your own problems onto them, they might not pay attention for long. This is why therapists and journals exist; they serve as outlets for your personal struggles and pain. It is important to contemplate the impact of your lyrics on your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel after listening to your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have effectively created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your own childhood experiences, it might be more impactful to focus on positive biblical themes that showcase God's healing power in overcoming negativity. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before delving into personal pain in your music.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that highlights how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. You may consider writing these songs for yourself as well, but it's crucial to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way of expressing and releasing emotions, while testimonials are meant to celebrate God's victory over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate triumph in your soul, regardless of the path taken to reach it.
In our comprehensive eight-week online coaching and mentoring program called NCS Pro Song Mastery, we delve deep into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals may be seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to grow your ministry, you can use the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call is non-binding and serves as an opportunity to determine if our program aligns with your goals. Schedule your free phone call by clicking here.
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