Personal Blog
Expressing Your Own Experience
I discovered my faith in Christ during a challenging childhood that is now often labeled as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was simply the norm in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and 1970s. We were unaware that our experiences would be categorized under a specific term, but in some way, Jesus intervened and transformed my life.
My life underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in forming a deep connection with the indescribable affection that Jesus holds for all.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a sudden moment, 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 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 shifted permanently when I first experienced the profound love of God at the age of eighteen.
The motivation behind my presence and actions is this. 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. It serves as the fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all of our platforms such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are dedicated to spreading Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
Do you have a personal story to share?
Perhaps you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or maybe you found Him later in life while struggling with addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss that left you broken. In our coaching programs for Christian songwriters, I've had the opportunity to speak with many individuals who have endured significant hardships, such as abuse or divorce. They have a strong desire to learn how to convey their pain through music and express how God provided them with strength throughout these difficult times. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from life's challenges, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful songs?
Throughout our journey in life, we experience both the joys and challenges it brings. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian music, it can be a bit challenging. That's why I have three valuable tips to share with you. These tips will assist you in effectively conveying your testimonies through songs that will resonate with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that a significant number of individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that people can relate to. To connect with your audience, it's important to create a story that resonates with them. By incorporating aspects of our own experiences, we can better engage with your narrative. Allowing us to fill in the gaps with our own personal stories helps us to connect with and appreciate yours.
If your story fails to capture our attention and evoke familiar emotions, we will lose interest. One of our friends, Becky Norquist, who is a former student of NCS, has gone through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her songs and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates universal themes in her music that resonate with anyone who has encountered loss in any form – which includes all of us. This allows listeners to connect with her songs and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the essence of the emotion rather than getting caught up
I remember hearing Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, say something that stuck with me. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The initial 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 don't serve a purpose for the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, times, dates, names, or other details, you might end up losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can personally connect with, it allows me to become engaged in your narrative. If your specific details don't align with my own experiences, it may cause me to lose interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient details and overwhelming the listener. The key is to focus on conveying your emotions during the challenging moments, and then shifting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the triumph of God in your personal experiences.
It's important to recognize the unique details in your own story that may not resonate with others. To assist you in writing a song that evokes emotions, it can be helpful to look for examples of songs that align with the style you desire and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in the emotional experience rather than simply listing facts.
To begin with, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you have recently experienced a painful event, it can be difficult to authentically write a song about it. Expressing your emotions too intensely in your lyrics may seem self-centered, unless you are composing a traditional country song that focuses on heartbreak. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it won't be considered a genuine testimony, rather just a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it is important to acknowledge that they likely have their own challenges and struggles to face. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they might not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals like therapists and journals exist – they serve as a safe space for you to express your dysfunction and pain. Therefore, it is crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional environment are you creating for them? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have succeeded in creating a wonderful 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 beneficial to explore positive biblical themes that showcase God's ability to bring healing and redemption to difficult situations. There are various approaches to expressing your testimony, so it would be helpful to consider alternative methods before delving into personal pain in your music.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is one that depicts how God successfully overcame challenges in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. You may also consider writing these songs for yourself, but it is important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the difficulties you faced and His ultimate 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 thoroughly explore testimony songs and various other aspects. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are genuinely interested in advancing your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to establish your ministry, click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call does not come with any obligations and serves as an opportunity to determine if this program aligns with your needs. Schedule your free call by clicking here.
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