Personal Blog Post
Sharing my Journey of Finding Faith
I discovered my faith in Christ during a challenging upbringing that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" in today's terms. However, back in the turbulent era of the 1960s and 1970s, it was just the way life was for us. It wasn't until later that I realized the significance of the struggles we faced, and how Jesus played a pivotal role in transforming my life.
I underwent a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the incomprehensible love that Jesus possesses.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
In just a moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This deep affection is what has supported me throughout more than five decades, encompassing both the highs and lows, the successes and hardships, as well as the positive experiences. I can confidently say that my life took a completely different path when I first experienced the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason I continue to exist and pursue my passion is because of this. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in creating songs that can capture the incredible truth of this. Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our various platforms, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, are dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus' love to people all around the world.
What is your personal story of faith and belief?
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 you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss. In our coaching programs, we have spoken to numerous Christian songwriters who have endured great pain, abuse, or divorce and have a desire to express their suffering and how God has provided strength throughout it all. James Finley suggests that God does not shield us from difficult experiences, but rather supports us miraculously throughout them.
However, the challenge lies in finding a way to effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs.
As we navigate through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories of faith through Christian music, how can we effectively capture our testimonies? Here are three useful tips that can help you reflect on how to convey your personal experiences in a way that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
Begin by searching for a shared theme or element in your story that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that everyone can relate to at some point in their lives. When you share your story in a way that allows others to connect with it, it becomes more inviting and captivating. It is important for us to find elements of our own experiences in your narrative, as it enables us to establish a deeper connection and develop an emotional attachment to your story.
If your story fails to capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend and former student of NCS, went through the heartbreaking experience of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry primarily cater to grieving families, but she also incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has suffered any form of loss – which is all of us – can find something relatable and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement I'm about to share with you was originally said by Dave Clark, a highly productive songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music. It has stuck with me ever since. Although it may seem contradictory at first, it actually isn't. The initial point is to identify a central theme or emotion that will serve as the foundation for your song. The second point, on the other hand, advises against including unnecessary details in your song that will not benefit your listener. If you delve too deeply into specific locations, times, dates, names, or other irrelevant information, there is a risk of losing the audience's interest.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you allow me to connect with your song. If the specific details you provide do not align with my own experiences, it may deter me. It may seem challenging, but it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient details and avoiding overwhelming the listener. The focus should be on conveying how you felt during the difficult time and then shifting the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that reveals the ways in which God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that may not be relatable to others. To assist with this, it is beneficial to look for examples of songs that are similar to the one you want to write and observe how the songwriters engage listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply listing details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Frequently, pouring out your emotions in the lyrics may seem self-centered, unless you are composing a typical country song about heartbreak. If that is your intention, feel free to pursue it, but understand that it would not be considered a genuine testimony, rather just a melancholic country song.
By prioritizing your audience, you may come to recognize that they likely have their own share of problems and challenges to handle. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they might not be inclined to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for your dysfunction and emotional pain. It is important to think about how your lyrics will impact 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 achieved a commendable feat with their uplifting praise song "My Testimony" by delivering a message based on Scripture that resonates with a wide audience. Instead of focusing on writing a song that recounts your personal childhood experiences, it might be more beneficial to explore Scriptural themes that highlight the transformative power of God in overcoming negativity. There are numerous approaches to convey your testimony, so it would be wise to explore alternative avenues before delving into a narrative filled with pain and hardship.
In conclusion, a testimonial song is one that expresses how God has overcome and succeeded in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It may be beneficial for you to also write these songs for yourself, however, it is important to distinguish between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing and letting go, while testimonials celebrate God's 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 delve deep into testimony songs and various other topics. While many people prefer to access free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are passionate about advancing your songwriting skills and feel a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call without any obligations. During this call, we can determine if this program is the right fit for you. Take the first step by scheduling your free call here.
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