Personal Blog
Sharing from my own personal experience
I became a believer in Christ after growing up in a troubled childhood that is now referred to as "dysfunctional" by society. However, during the chaotic years of the 1960s and 1970s, my family and I were simply living what we considered to be a normal life. We had no idea that the struggles we faced would later be labeled with a specific term. Nevertheless, Jesus somehow intervened and made a significant impact on my life.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in discovering the inexplicable affection that Jesus possesses for all.
The photo credit for this image goes to Laura E
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and endurance for more than half a century, guiding me through all the highs and lows, the successes and heartbreaks, as well as the positive moments. I firmly believe that the course of my life was forever altered when I first felt the immense love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work as a Christian songwriter is to express the incredible reality of my faith. I am dedicated to assisting others in writing songs that can convey this profound truth. The fundamental principle behind Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our platforms, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
Do you have a personal story to share?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God when you were young, attending church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you have faced a significant loss that left you broken. Many Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce have reached out to us, seeking guidance on how to express their suffering and how God has helped them through it. James Finley once said, "God doesn't shield us from challenges, but rather supports us miraculously through them."
However, the question remains: how can we effectively convey our personal experiences and stories through impactful and memorable songs?
As we journey through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories in Christian music, how can we effectively capture our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may assist you in considering how to portray your testimonials in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that can resonate with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that everyone is familiar with at some point in their lives. By creating a relatable narrative, you can connect with your audience and make them feel a part of your song. It is important to incorporate elements of universal experiences in your story, allowing listeners to relate and personalize it with their own experiences. This connection is essential for them to develop a deep appreciation and attachment to your music.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and evoke familiar emotions, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former NCS student and our friend, personally went through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. She has channeled her experiences into her music and ministry, specifically catering to grieving families. However, she also incorporates broader themes in her songs, allowing anyone who has suffered any form of loss – which includes all of us – to connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing and expressing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught
The statement was made by Dave Clark (Lillenas Music), a highly productive songwriter and publisher, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, but it's not. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion to base your song on. The second point is to refrain from including unnecessary details in your song that may not be beneficial for the listener. If you go into excessive specifics regarding the setting, time, dates, names, or other details, there is 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 are welcoming me into your narrative. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it may deter my engagement. Although it seems difficult, it is achievable. You can acquire the skill of finding the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the challenging situation and then shifts the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a song that tells the story of how God achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique details in your own story that may not resonate with others. To assist in writing your desired song, it can be beneficial to study examples of songs that evoke emotions and observe how the writers engage listeners without merely listing specific details.
Furthermore, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still experiencing emotional pain and wounds from a traumatic event, it can be difficult to authentically write a testimonial song about it. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics might be seen as self-centered, unless you are composing a heartfelt country song meant to evoke tears. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it is more of a sorrowful country song than a genuine testimony.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own 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 therapists and journals 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 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 done an excellent job with their uplifting praise song "My Testimony" by conveying a message based on Scripture that can resonate with many people. Instead of creating a song about your personal childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to focus on positive themes from the Bible that illustrate how God's healing power can overcome any negativity. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be worthwhile to explore alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is a song that demonstrates how God has overcome challenges in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis is a way of releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's victory over the hardships you have faced and His ultimate triumph in your spirit, regardless of the path you took to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve deep into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals are seeking free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can utilize the provided link to arrange a free phone consultation. This consultation serves as an opportunity for you to determine if this program is suitable for your needs. To schedule your free call, click here.
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