Personal Blog
Sharing My Story of Finding Faith
I found my way to Christianity after experiencing a difficult and unstable childhood, which is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was just the norm during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and '70s. We were unaware that there would be a specific term for the challenges we faced, but miraculously, Jesus stepped into my life and changed everything.
I went through a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a profound connection with the unimaginable love that Jesus possesses, which I had never experienced before.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In the blink of an eye, my entire life was completely transformed. This love that I speak of has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through the various challenges and successes, as well as the joyful moments. I can confidently say that my life took a permanent turn when I experienced the profound love of God for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
This is the reason why I continue to exist and why I pursue my passion as a Christian songwriter. My goal is to assist you in creating songs that can effectively convey the incredible reality of faith. The fundamental principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various resources, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love while attending church as a child, or you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss in your life. I have had conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce, and they have expressed a desire to learn how to articulate their suffering and the ways in which God has provided them with strength. James Finley suggests that God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful musical compositions?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this regard, I have three suggestions that can assist you in reflecting on how to skillfully capture your testimonials in a way that resonates with listeners and provides them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that are familiar to everyone. By sharing a story that others can relate to, you can create a connection and engage them in your song. It is important to include elements that resonate with our own experiences, allowing us to connect and become emotionally invested in your story.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captivates us and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Someone we know, Becky Norquist, who attended NCS, went through the painful experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has gone through any form of loss – which includes all of us – can find something relatable and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement that has stuck with me is from Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music. He emphasized the importance of having a central theme or emotion to base your song on. On the other hand, it is crucial to avoid including unnecessary details in your song that won't be helpful for the listener. Going into too much depth about specific locations, dates, names, or other specifics can distract and disengage the audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you make me feel included in your narrative. If the specific details in your story don't align with mine, it may deter my interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can acquire the skill to provide an appropriate amount of detail that focuses on your personal emotions during the difficult experience and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a musical expression that highlights the victory of God in your personal experiences. … a testimonial song is a musical composition that showcases the ways in which God has overcome challenges and brought triumph into your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that are not relatable to others. To improve your songwriting, it can be beneficial to study examples of songs that evoke certain emotions and observe how the songwriters engage listeners without solely relying on specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write a sincere and genuine song about it. Expressing your pain through lyrics can sometimes be seen as self-centered, unless you are creating a country song that captures the essence of heartbreak. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it's important to acknowledge that it is not the same as sharing a personal testimony. It would simply be a melancholic country song.
When you prioritize your audience, it's important to recognize that they may already be dealing with their own struggles. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they might not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals such as therapists and the act of journaling exist – they serve as outlets for your personal issues and pain. It's crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional state 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 energetic praise song "My Testimony" by conveying a message rooted in Scripture that can resonate with a wide audience. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your childhood experiences, it might be more effective to explore positive biblical themes that showcase God's healing power in overcoming any negative situations. There are numerous approaches to expressing your personal testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before sharing your pain with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that showcases how God has succeeded in your life. Emotional release is crucial for your well-being. It might be beneficial for you to write these types of songs for yourself as well, but it is important to recognize the distinction between cathartic songs and testimonial songs. Cathartic songs serve as a way to release emotions, while testimonial songs celebrate God's triumph over the challenges you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path taken to reach that point.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which takes place over eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into various aspects of testimony songs and offer much more. While many individuals are interested in accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to take your songwriting to the next level and feel a strong sense of purpose in building your ministry, you can click on the provided link to book a free phone call with us. This call does not require any commitment from your end and is aimed at determining whether this program is suitable for your needs. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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