Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
My journey to finding faith in Christ began during my challenging childhood, which is often referred to as "dysfunctional" by society today. However, back then, it was just the norm during the tumultuous 1960's and '70's. At that time, we were unaware that there would be a specific term for the experiences we were going through. Nonetheless, Jesus miraculously entered my life and made a significant impact.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in discovering the unimaginable love that Jesus has for me.
The photo has been taken by Laura E. Part
In a single moment, my entire life was completely altered. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, helping me navigate through the highs and lows, the successes and failures, and even the positive aspects of life. I can confidently say that my life's course was permanently transformed 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 what keeps me going. As a Christian songwriter, I strive to assist others in crafting songs that can effectively convey the incredible truth of our faith. The fundamental principle that guides Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our various platforms, 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 experience or story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced God's love when you were young and attended church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It could also be that you were deeply hurt by a significant loss. We have been approached by numerous Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce and are interested in our coaching programs. They wish to learn how to effectively express their pain through their music and share how God has supported them throughout their struggles. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously helps us endure them.
However, the question remains: how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian music, how can we effectively capture our testimonies? Here are three tips that I believe will assist you in reflecting on how to convey your testimonials in a way that resonates with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared theme or element within your story that numerous individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are universal experiences that everyone can relate to. To engage your audience, it is important to create a story that resonates with them and allows them to see themselves in it. By incorporating elements of their own experiences, they can connect with your song on a deeper level and become invested in it.
If your story doesn't resonate with us or bring up personal experiences we can relate to, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student at NCS and a close friend of ours, went through the devastating experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. While her songs and ministry primarily focus on offering solace to grieving families, she also incorporates broader themes in her music that anyone who has suffered any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can connect with and continue to be engaged with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember hearing the songwriter and publisher, Dave Clark (from Lillenas Music), say this statement and it has stuck with me ever since. Although it may seem contradictory at first, it actually makes sense. The first point is to choose 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 be helpful to your audience. If you go into too much detail about specific locations, timings, dates, names, or other specifics, there's a chance that you might lose the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you allow me to become a part of your narrative. If the specific details of your experience don't align with mine, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the difficult times, and then transition towards highlighting the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the victorious presence of God in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that may not be relatable to others. To enhance your songwriting, it can be helpful to study examples of songs that evoke certain emotions and observe how the writers engage listeners without solely focusing on specific details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally wounded and experiencing pain from a traumatic event in your life, it can be challenging to authentically compose a song that serves as a genuine testimonial to that experience. Often, expressing your pain too intensely through lyrics can be perceived as self-centered, unless you are specifically writing a country song that embraces a melancholic tone. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it should be recognized as a sad country song rather than a personal testimony.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to deal with. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. That's why professionals like therapists and personal journals exist – they provide a safe space for you to express your dysfunction and pains. Take into account 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 a vibrant and uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore positive Scriptural themes that showcase how God's healing power triumphs over any negative aspects. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be wise to explore different avenues before expressing your pain to others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that reflects how God has overcome challenges 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 your own personal healing, but it's important to remember that there is a distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the hardships you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path you took to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore the art of writing songs that convey personal testimonies and much more. While many individuals seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to delve deeper into your songwriting and feel a strong calling to establish your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This phone call is not binding and serves as an opportunity to determine whether this program aligns with your needs. You can schedule your free phone call by clicking here.
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