Personal Blog
Expressing Through Your Own Experiences
My journey towards Christianity began during a challenging upbringing that is now referred to as "dysfunctional" by society. However, back then, it was simply the norm during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s. We were unaware that there would be a label for the struggles we faced, but somehow Jesus made a significant impact on my life.
My life went through a profound change when someone assisted me in experiencing the indescribable love that Jesus has for the first time.
The image was captured by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my life was completely transformed. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through the highs and lows, successes and sorrows, as well as the joyful moments. I firmly believe that my life took a different path when I first experienced the profound love of God at the age of eighteen.
The main factor that keeps me going and motivates my actions is the love of Jesus. This love is what inspires me to be a Christian songwriter and assist others in composing songs that can capture the beauty of this incredible truth. The fundamental belief of Nashville Christian Songwriters is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth, which is why we offer various resources such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs.
What is your personal story of faith?
It could be that you experienced God's love at a young age while attending church, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. I have had conversations with many Christian songwriters who have expressed interest in our coaching programs. These individuals have endured significant challenges such as abuse, divorce, or great loss, and they seek to learn how to express their pain through their music while also recognizing how God has provided them with strength and support throughout their journey. According to James Finley, God does not shield us from difficulties, but rather miraculously sustains us through them.
However, what is the method for expressing our personal experiences and stories through exceptional songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories in Christian songs, it can be a challenge. In order to effectively capture our testimonies, I have three suggestions that can assist you in creating music that resonates with listeners and offers them 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 universal emotions that everyone can relate to at some point. By creating a story that resonates with people, you can effectively engage them in your song. It is important to incorporate elements of our own experiences into your narrative, allowing listeners to connect with and become invested in your story.
If there is nothing in your story that captures our attention and reminds us of something we have experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, went through the difficult experience of having five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry primarily cater to grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her music that anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or sentiment rather than getting caught up in
The idea I'm about to share was originally mentioned by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The first 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 be helpful to 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 connect with, it allows me to become a part of your narrative. If the specific details don't align with my own experiences, it might deter my interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can acquire the skill of incorporating an appropriate amount of detail to emphasize your emotions during the difficult times and then shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a musical expression that highlights the ways in which God has brought success and victory into your personal experiences and journey.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own story that may not be relatable to others. To improve your songwriting, it can be helpful to study and learn from songs that successfully evoke emotions in their listeners, rather than simply listing specific details.
Thirdly, 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 create an authentic song that reflects your true testimony. Expressing your pain through lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you're specifically aiming to create a heartfelt country song that resonates with the audience's emotions. If that's your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it's important to recognize that it's not necessarily a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to deal with. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be inclined to listen for very long. This is why there are therapists and journals – they serve as outlets for your personal issues and pain. It's crucial to think about the impact of your lyrics on 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 done an excellent job in creating the uplifting praise song "My Testimony" that conveys a broad message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song about your personal childhood experiences, it may be more effective to focus on positive Scriptural themes that highlight God's healing power over any negativity. There are many different approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative methods before expressing your pain to others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that reflects on how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is important for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis, which allows you to release and process your emotions. While it may be beneficial to write cathartic songs for yourself, it is important to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonial songs. Testimonials focus on celebrating God's triumph over difficult circumstances and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path you took to get there.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which is an eight-week online coaching and mentoring experience, we explore testimony songs and various other topics. While many individuals are interested in finding free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are serious about advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, click on the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call will help you determine if our program is suitable for you, and there is no obligation to commit. Take the opportunity to schedule your free call here.
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