Personal Testimony in Blog Writing
My journey to finding Christ began during my challenging childhood, which many would now label as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was simply the norm during the chaotic times of the 1960s and 70s. Unaware that our experiences would later be categorized with a specific term, Jesus miraculously entered my life.
My life went through a drastic change when someone guided me to experience the incomprehensible love that Jesus has for everyone.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely disrupted. This love, which I have experienced for more than five decades, has been my source of strength throughout all the highs and lows, successes and sorrows, as well as the positive moments. I can confidently say that my life took a different path when I first felt the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and my purpose in life is what keeps me going. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter and my desire to assist others in composing songs that can effectively convey this incredible truth. The fundamental principle of Nashville Christian Songwriters, as well as all of our 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 when you were a child, you experienced God's love in church. Or maybe you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a devastating loss of some kind, which left you broken. In our coaching programs, we have encountered numerous Christian songwriters who have endured immense suffering, abuse, or divorce. They seek to learn how to convey their pain through their music and express how God has supported them throughout their hardships. James Finley once said, "God doesn't spare us from any hardships, but He miraculously helps us through everything."
However, is there a way for us to effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful musical compositions?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the joys and challenges that come our way. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences and faith through Christian music, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this regard, I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in thinking about how to accurately convey your own stories in a manner that resonates with listeners and offers them solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared element in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are common emotions that people can relate to. By sharing a story that resonates with others, you can engage them in your music. It's important to incorporate elements of our own experiences into your narrative, allowing listeners to connect and relate. This connection enables them to fill in the gaps with their own stories, ultimately leading them to connect with and appreciate your music.
If there isn't anything in your story that captures our attention and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student from NCS and a close friend, has personally gone through the pain of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her songs and ministry, she specifically addresses the struggles of grieving families. However, she also incorporates broader themes in her music, allowing anyone who has experienced any kind of loss – which includes all of us – to connect with her songs and stay engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
I remember hearing songwriter and publisher Dave Clark (from Lillenas Music) say this, and it stuck with me. It may seem contradictory at first, but it's not. The first 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 won't benefit the listener. If you get too caught up in specific locations, dates, names, or other details, you might end up losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your narrative that resonates with me, it allows me to connect with your story. If the specific details don't align with my own experiences, it may discourage me. However, it is possible to achieve this balance. You can learn to provide just the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the challenging times and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimony song is a song that portrays how God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own story that may not resonate with others. One way to improve your songwriting is to study the techniques used by successful songwriters in engaging listeners emotionally rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still feeling emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to authentically compose a song that truly reflects your testimony. Expressing your pain excessively through your lyrics might be perceived as self-centered, unless you are writing a typical country song that revolves around heartbreak. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it won't be considered a genuine testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own personal challenges to navigate. If you solely focus on sharing your own difficulties with them, they may not be inclined to listen for an extended period of time. This is why professionals like therapists and journals exist – they serve as outlets for expressing your personal struggles and pain. It's crucial to contemplate the impact your lyrics will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional state are you inviting them into? How will they feel after hearing your song?
In my opinion, 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, it might be more beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase God's healing power over any negative situations. There are numerous ways to express your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative approaches before sharing your struggles.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that represents how God has achieved victory in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to experience catharsis. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it's important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis is a way of releasing emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's overcoming of the challenges you have faced and His ultimate triumph in your soul, regardless of the path you take.
In our eight-week online coaching and mentoring program called NCS Pro Song Mastery, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and much more. While many individuals may only be interested in 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 click on the provided link to schedule a free phone call with us. This call does not require any commitment and serves as an opportunity to determine if our program aligns with your needs. Take the next step and schedule your free call here.
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