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Expressing Your Personal Journey
Growing up in a challenging and tumultuous era like the 1960s and '70s, my childhood was far from perfect. It was only later that society labeled it as "dysfunctional." However, amidst the chaos, Jesus found a way to enter my life and bring about a transformative change.
My life went through a profound change when someone guided me to experience the unimaginable love that Jesus has for us.
The photo was taken by a photographer named Laura E
In the blink of an eye, my entire life was completely transformed. This very love has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the victories and losses, and also the moments of joy. I can confidently say that the direction of my life was forever altered when I experienced the love of God for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The driving force behind my presence and my actions is the love of Jesus. This love is what motivates me to be a Christian songwriter and assist others in creating songs that can capture the beauty of this reality. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
Do you have a personal story to share about your faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood church visits, or maybe you found Him later in life while struggling with addiction. Perhaps you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. In my conversations with Christian songwriters seeking our coaching programs, I've encountered many who have endured significant hardships such as abuse, divorce, or profound grief. They are eager to learn how to convey their pain through their music and express how God has provided them with strength during those difficult times. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but amazingly sustains us throughout them."
However, what is the best way to express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and memorable 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? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in considering the most effective ways to capture your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that everyone can relate to at times. By creating a story that people can connect with, you can effectively engage them in your music. It is important for listeners to hear elements of their own experiences within your song. This allows them to personally connect and become invested in your story.
If there isn't anything in your story that captures our attention and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and our friend, has experienced the heartache of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry center around supporting grieving families, but she also includes enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling rather than getting caught up in the specifics
The statement I'm about to share with you was made by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher from Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, this statement may seem contradictory, but it's actually not. The first point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to avoid including irrelevant details in your song that won't benefit the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, times, dates, names, or other unnecessary specifics, you may end up losing your audience's interest.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you encourage me to become a part of your narrative. If the specific details of your experience do not align with mine, it may deter my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a harmonious balance between providing sufficient or excessive details, focusing on your personal emotions during the difficult period, and ultimately shifting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
A testimonial song refers to a song that depicts the victory of God in your personal life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own experiences that may not be relatable to others. One helpful approach is to find examples of songs that align with the emotional tone you want to convey, and observe how the songwriters engage the listeners in that emotion rather than merely listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling the emotional pain and distress from a traumatic experience in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. When your lyrics are filled with raw emotions, it can often be perceived as self-centered, unless you are creating a somber country song that reflects on sorrow. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it is important to recognize that it would not be a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it's important to remember that they likely have their own challenges and problems to navigate. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not be inclined to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – to provide an outlet for expressing and processing personal struggles. It's important 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 successfully created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a broad message rooted in Scripture. Instead of focusing on creating a song that tells a story about your childhood, it might be beneficial to explore positive Scriptural themes that illustrate how God's healing power can overcome any negative experiences. There are numerous ways to present your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a reflection of how God has achieved victory in your life. The process of catharsis is crucial for your emotional well-being. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself, but it's important to acknowledge the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis involves releasing pent-up emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your inner being regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly dedicated to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can follow this link to arrange a free phone call to discuss whether this program is suitable for you. You can schedule your free call here, with no obligation.
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