Personal Testimony in Writing
My journey towards faith in Christ began during my challenging upbringing, which is often referred to as a "dysfunctional" childhood. However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous era of the 1960s and '70s. Despite not realizing it at the time, Jesus somehow intervened and had a profound impact on my life.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a connection with the indescribable affection of Jesus, which I had never experienced before.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength for more than half a century, guiding me through all the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and even the positive experiences. The essence of my personal account is that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first encountered God's love at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is the love of Jesus. As a Christian songwriter, my goal is to assist you in crafting songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. This fundamental belief is the foundation of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and our various platforms including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood church visits or 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 experience, I've talked to numerous Christian songwriters who have faced immense challenges such as abuse, divorce, or tragedy. These individuals seek to learn how to express their pain through their music and how God has provided them with strength and support during these difficult times. As James Finley beautifully puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously sustains us through them."
However, the question remains, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs? How can we effectively translate our testimonies into exceptional musical compositions
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? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in contemplating the most effective ways to capture your personal stories in a manner that resonates with listeners, bringing them comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that are universally understood. By connecting your story to these common experiences, you can effectively engage your audience. It is important for people to find elements of their own lives in your narrative, as this allows them to relate and connect with your song. When we can insert our own personal experiences into your story, we become more invested and can truly appreciate it.
If there is nothing in your story that captures our attention and resonates with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances and former student at NCS, Becky Norquist, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, Becky primarily addresses the struggles faced by grieving families. However, she incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on portraying the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember hearing Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher, mention this idea and it has stuck with me ever since. At first, it may seem contradictory, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion on which to base your song. The second point is to avoid including irrelevant details in your song that do not benefit the listener. If you delve too much into specifics like locations, time, dates, names, or other unnecessary information, you may risk losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, it draws me into your narrative. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it may deter my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive detail, focusing on your emotions during the difficult times, and ultimately shifting towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the victories and triumphs of God in your personal life.
It is important to acknowledge the unique details in your story that are specific to you and cannot be easily understood by others. To assist in your songwriting process, it can be beneficial to seek out examples of songs that convey the same emotions you are aiming for, 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 feeling the emotional pain and turmoil caused by a devastating experience in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it in a testimonial song. Sharing your raw emotions through lyrics may be perceived as self-centered, unless you're composing a traditional country song that captures the essence of heartbreak. If that's the direction you want to pursue, then go ahead and embrace it, but acknowledge that it's not a genuine testimonial. Rather, it's a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles to contend with. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be inclined to listen for very long. That's why professionals like therapists and the act of journaling exist – they provide a designated outlet for your personal issues and hurts. It's 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 after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have done an excellent job with their uplifting praise song called "My Testimony." They have managed to convey a universal message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, it might be worth considering exploring positive Scriptural themes that showcase how God's healing power can overcome all the negative aspects of life. There are numerous approaches to sharing one's testimony, so it may be beneficial to explore alternative methods before delving into sharing your pain with others.
Final thoughts:
Ultimately, a testimonial song showcases how God has succeeded in your life. The process of catharsis is crucial for your emotional well-being. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to recognize the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials commemorate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced and His ultimate victory in your inner being, regardless of the path taken to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and cover various other aspects as well. While many individuals are seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing in your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will help you determine whether this program is suitable for your needs. Don't hesitate to schedule your free call now.
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