Personal Blog
Sharing from My Own Life Experience
I found my faith in Jesus during a challenging upbringing that would now be labeled as "dysfunctional". However, at that time, it was just a normal part of growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s. Although we didn't realize it then, Jesus made a significant impact on my life.
My life underwent a profound change when someone guided me in experiencing the unexplainable affection that Jesus has for us.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely changed. This love that I experienced has been the source of my strength and endurance for more than fifty years, helping me navigate through both the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and all the other positive experiences as well. I firmly believe that when I first felt God's love at the age of eighteen, the course of my life took a permanent and transformative turn.
The reason for my presence and my motivation in my work is the same. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist you in creating songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. The foundation of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of 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 the love of God during your childhood church experiences, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult while battling addiction. It's possible that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss of some kind. Through our coaching programs, I have had conversations with numerous Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce. They have a desire to learn how to express their struggles and the ways in which God has provided them with strength and support. James Finley aptly states that God does not shield us from difficulties, but rather miraculously helps us endure them.
However, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories and experiences through Christian songs, how can we effectively capture them? I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in considering the most impactful ways to convey your testimonies, enabling listeners to connect with, appreciate, and find solace, restoration, and optimism.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element within your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are universal experiences that everyone can relate to. To engage others with your story, it is important to create a connection and allow them to see themselves in your narrative. By incorporating elements of our shared experiences, we can find resonance and develop a genuine connection with your story.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. A person we know, Becky Norquist, who attended NCS, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, she specifically addresses the pain of grieving families, but she also incorporates universal themes in her songs that allow anyone who has experienced any type of loss – which includes all of us – to connect and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was once told by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, that finding a common theme or emotion to base your song on is crucial. This may seem contradictory to the first point, but it's not. 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, there's a chance of losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can understand, it allows me to connect with your song. If your specific details don't align with mine, it might deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the challenging experience, and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that depicts the victory of God in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own experiences that others may not be able to relate to. To assist in writing a song, it can be beneficial to study examples of songs that evoke emotions in listeners rather than simply listing specific details.
In addition, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you're still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write a sincere song about it. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics may seem self-centered, unless you're composing a country song that captures the heartache. If that's your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it won't be a genuine testimony, rather just a sorrowful country song.
By prioritizing your audience, it becomes evident that they likely have their own challenges to face. If you unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for long. That's why therapists and journals exist – to serve as outlets for your personal struggles and pain. It's important to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional atmosphere are you creating for them? 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 "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song that focuses solely on your childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore positive biblical themes that highlight how God's healing power can overcome all the negative aspects of life. There are various ways to express your testimony, so it would be wise to consider other approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that reflects how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important, and even necessary, for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. While it may be beneficial to write songs for your own personal catharsis, it is important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types of songs. Catharsis involves releasing and letting go, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the difficulties you have faced, ultimately leading to victory in your soul regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into testimony songs and other subjects. While many individuals seek out free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call will allow you to determine if this program is suitable for you, and there is no obligation to commit. Book your free call now.
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