Personal Blog
Sharing my Story of Finding Christ
I found my way to Christ despite growing up in a difficult and troubled childhood that is often labeled as "dysfunctional" today. However, back in the 1960s and 1970s, it was simply the norm for us. Unaware that our experiences would later be categorized, Jesus miraculously entered my life and made a significant impact.
My life underwent a profound change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the indescribable affection that Jesus possesses.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love I have experienced has helped me navigate through various challenges, successes, failures, and even joys for more than five decades. I can confidently say that my life took a new direction when I first experienced God's love at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is to express the incredible reality of my faith through Christian songwriting. I strive to assist others in writing songs that can effectively convey this message. The primary focus of Nashville Christian Songwriters, including our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to people worldwide.
Do you have a personal story to share?
Perhaps you experienced the love of God during your childhood at church, or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that a significant loss in your life left you feeling broken. Many Christian songwriters who have endured immense pain, abuse, or divorce have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They are seeking guidance on how to effectively express their suffering and how God has provided them with strength throughout their struggles. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, the question remains: How do we effectively convey 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 in Christian songs, how can we do it effectively? Here are three helpful tips that can guide you in ensuring that your testimonies are captured in a way that resonates with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
Initially, attempt to discover a shared element within your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that people can relate to. To engage others in your story, it is important to provide them with a sense of familiarity. By incorporating elements of our own experiences into your narrative, we can connect on a deeper level and become invested in your story.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our friends, Becky Norquist, who is an alum of NCS, has gone through the difficult journey of experiencing five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also includes enough universal themes in her songs so that anyone who has encountered loss in any form – which includes all of us – can connect with her music and continue to be engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the emotion rather than getting caught up in the specific
I remember hearing Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher from Lillenas Music, say something that has stuck with me. It may initially seem contradictory to the first point, 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 don't contribute to the listener's understanding. If you delve too much into specific locations, times, dates, names, or other details, you run the risk of losing your audience.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you welcome me into your narrative. If the specific details of your experience differ from mine, it might discourage me. However, it is not an insurmountable task. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your feelings during the challenging situation and then pivot towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that expresses how God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that we may not be able to relate to. To assist in writing a song, it can be helpful to study examples of the type of song you want to create and observe how the writers effectively engage listeners with emotions rather than simply stating facts.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are emotionally wounded and still dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express your feelings through a testimonial song. When your lyrics reveal too much pain, it may come across as self-centered, unless you are aiming to write a melancholic country song that evokes tears. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but remember that it won't be a genuine testimony, but rather a sorrowful country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to acknowledge that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to face. If you simply burden them with your own issues, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals like therapists and journals exist – they are there to provide an outlet for your personal problems and wounds. Take into account the impact your lyrics will have on 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 energetic praise song called "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is rooted in Scripture and relatable to many. Instead of creating a song that focuses solely on your childhood experiences, it might be more impactful to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase God's ability to heal and overcome negativity. There are numerous approaches you can take to share your personal testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore alternative avenues before delving into your painful experiences.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that showcases how God has overcome obstacles in your life. It is essential for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. While it may be beneficial to write songs for yourself as a form of catharsis, it is important to recognize the distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Testimonials celebrate God's ability to triumph over the challenges you have faced, ultimately leading to victory in your spirit regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we explore testimony songs and many other aspects of songwriting. While many people are interested in finding free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly committed to advancing your songwriting skills and feel a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can click on the provided link to arrange a free phone call. This call does not require any commitment from you and will help determine if this program is suitable for your needs. You can schedule your free call by clicking here.
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