Personal Blog
Expressing Your Own Life Experiences
My journey towards finding faith in Christ began during a challenging childhood that is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." Growing up in the tumultuous era of the 1960s and '70s, my family and I were unaware that our experiences would later be labeled as such. However, it was during this time that Jesus miraculously intervened in my life.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in experiencing the indescribable love of Jesus for the very first time.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. Throughout the course of fifty years, this love has been my source of strength, supporting me through the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, as well as the positive experiences. My personal experience affirms that the direction of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced God's love at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is the love of Jesus. As a Christian songwriter, I strive to assist others in creating songs that can convey this incredible reality. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our platforms, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood in church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's possible that you have faced a significant loss that left you broken. In our coaching programs, we have spoken to numerous Christian songwriters who have endured immense suffering, such as abuse or divorce, and are now seeking ways to express their pain and how God has provided strength and support throughout their journey. According to James Finley, God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously sustains us through them.
However, the question remains: 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 through Christian music, it can be challenging. To assist you in effectively capturing your testimonies in songs that resonate with listeners and provide them with comfort, healing, and hope, I have three helpful tips.
Initially, attempt to identify a shared theme or aspect in your narrative that resonates with a large audience.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common feelings that everyone can relate to. If you want to engage people with your story, it's important to give them something they can connect with. By incorporating elements of our own experiences, we are able to find a personal connection and truly appreciate your story.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Our acquaintance and former student at NCS, Becky Norquist, has personally endured the pain of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. While her songs and ministry primarily address the struggles of grieving families, she also incorporates broader themes in her music that anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and remain engaged with her songs.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to the idea by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, who emphasized the importance of finding a central theme or emotion to base your song on. This may seem contradictory to the previous point, but it's not. The second point advises against including unnecessary details in your song that may not be relevant or helpful to the listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other intricate details, you may risk losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, it allows me to connect with your song. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it may discourage me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient or excessive detail, focusing on your emotions during the difficult time, and then shifting towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the ways in which God has achieved victory in your life.
… a testimonial song is a musical composition that portrays the instances where God has succeeded and prevailed in your personal experiences.
It is important to recognize the aspects of your story that are unique to you, as they may not resonate with others. One strategy to overcome this is to look for examples of songs that align with the emotions you want to convey, and observe how the songwriters engage listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you are still emotionally and physically affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to create an authentic song that reflects your feelings. Expressing your pain too explicitly in your lyrics may seem self-centered, unless you are composing a sorrowful country song to drown your sorrows. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it wouldn't be considered a genuine testimonial. Instead, it would be categorized as a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it is important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to overcome. If you simply unload your own problems onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide a safe space for you to share your emotions and experiences. It is crucial to think about how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel after hearing your song?
I believe that Brandon Lake and the Elevation Worship team have successfully created an uplifting praise song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song solely focused on your childhood experiences, you could consider exploring positive biblical themes that showcase God's healing power over any negative aspects. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it may be beneficial to explore alternative approaches before delving into your personal pain.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is one that reflects the way God has prevailed in someone's life. It is essential for your emotional well-being to have a release and a way to express your feelings. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for your own personal catharsis, but it's important to note that there is a distinction between the two types of songs. Catharsis involves unloading your emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the challenges 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 delve deep into testimony songs and various other aspects of songwriting. While many individuals may be interested in accessing Christian songwriting courses and webinars for free, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and have a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can utilize the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call is not binding, and its purpose is to determine whether this program is suitable for you. To schedule your free call, click here.
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