Personal Blog
Expressing Your Personal Experience
My journey to finding faith in Christ began amidst the challenges of a difficult childhood, which is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous decades of the 1960s and '70s. At that time, little did we know that our experiences would be categorized under a specific term, but miraculously, Jesus stepped into my life and made a difference.
My life went through a profound change when someone assisted me in experiencing the inexplicable affection of Jesus for the very first time.
The photograph is captured by a photographer named Laura E
In a matter of moments, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and all the positive experiences as well. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced the overwhelming love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason I continue to exist and do what I do is because of this. This is why I am a songwriter who focuses on Christian music and aims to assist others in writing songs that can capture the beauty of this incredible truth. The main principle behind Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs is to spread the love of Jesus to every person on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love during your childhood church services, or maybe you sought Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that a significant loss deeply affected you and led you to turn to God for healing. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They are eager to learn how to articulate their suffering and how God provided them with strength and support throughout their struggles. James Finley has stated that while God does not shield us from hardships, He miraculously helps us endure them.
However, is there a way for us to effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
As we journey through life, we experience both the joys and challenges it has to offer. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian music, it can be a bit tricky. To assist you in effectively conveying your testimonies through songs that resonate with listeners and provide solace, restoration, and optimism, I have three helpful tips that I would like to share with you.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
It is a common experience for people to feel lonely or lost at times. By sharing a story that resonates with others, you can create a connection and engage them in your song. It is important to incorporate elements of our shared experiences so that listeners can relate and empathize with your story. This allows them to personalize your narrative and develop an emotional connection with it.
If your story lacks something that resonates with us and brings to mind our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, has personally gone through the pain of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. While her songs and ministry primarily address grieving families, she also incorporates enough universal themes in her music so that anyone who has experienced any type of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain connected to her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to a talented songwriter and publisher named Dave Clark from Lillenas Music who once shared a valuable piece of advice that has stuck with me. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that won't benefit the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, dates, names, or other particulars, you run the risk of losing the audience's interest.
By identifying the shared experiences and emotions in your story that resonate with me, you make me feel connected to your narrative. If the specific details you provide differ from my own, it may make me lose interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the difficult times and then shifts towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a song of testimony is a musical expression that highlights the triumph of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to consider the unique aspects of your own personal experiences that may not resonate with others. One way to improve your songwriting is to study the techniques used by successful songwriters who effectively evoke emotions in their listeners, rather than simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your pain openly in your lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are creating a sorrowful country song meant to evoke strong emotions. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but understand that it is not a genuine testimony. Instead, it becomes a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles to cope with. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for your dysfunction and hurts. It's crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on 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 successfully created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of focusing on creating a song that narrates your personal childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore Scriptural themes that highlight God's healing power over negative aspects of life. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative methods before delving into the depths of your pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that portrays how God has conquered and succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to understand the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing and letting go, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the hardships you have endured, ultimately leading to His victory in your soul regardless of the path taken.
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 explore various other aspects. While many individuals prefer to access free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call is not binding and serves as an opportunity to determine if our program is suitable for you. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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