Personal Blog
Sharing My Journey to Finding Christ
Growing up in the chaotic era of the 1960s and 1970s, my childhood was filled with hardships that are now referred to as "dysfunctional." At that time, my family and I were unaware that our struggles would later be labeled as such. However, it was during this tumultuous period that Jesus miraculously entered my life and made a profound impact.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in establishing a deep connection with the overwhelming love that Jesus embodies, an experience that is truly beyond words.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a split second, my entire life was completely transformed. This love that I experienced has been the driving force behind my existence for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the moments of success and heartbreak, as well as the joys. I firmly believe that my life took a different path when I first felt the overwhelming love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is this. Being a Christian songwriter, my goal is to assist you in creating songs that can capture and convey the incredible reality of faith. This fundamental principle is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs are designed to spread the message of Jesus' love to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith?
Perhaps when you were a child, you experienced God's love in church, or maybe as an adult, you turned to Him to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a heart-wrenching loss that brought you to seek God's comfort. Many Christian songwriters who have faced immense pain, abuse, or divorce have expressed interest in our coaching programs. They want to learn how to convey their suffering and how God has provided support throughout their journey. As James Finley puts it, "God doesn't shield us from hardships, but He miraculously sustains us through them."
However, what is the process of expressing our personal experiences and testimonies through impactful songs? How can we effectively capture our stories and emotions in music?
As we navigate through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may assist you in reflecting on how to accurately depict your experiences in a manner that resonates with listeners and provides them with solace, restoration, and inspiration.
Begin by searching for a shared element in your story that resonates with a wide range of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are familiar emotions that everyone can relate to at times. By incorporating elements in your story that people can connect with, you create an opportunity for them to be drawn into your song. It is essential to include aspects of our own experiences in order to fully engage and develop an emotional connection with your story.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captivates us and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. A close friend of ours and former student of NCS, Becky Norquist, went through the heartbreaking experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry primarily cater to grieving families, but she skillfully incorporates broader themes in her songs, allowing anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – to find something relatable and remain connected to her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
The statement I heard from Dave Clark (Lillenas Music), a songwriter and publisher, has stuck with me. It may seem contradictory at first, 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 do not aid the listener. If you delve too much into specifics like location, time, dates, names, or other details, there is a possibility of losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you allow me to connect with your song. If the specifics of your story do not align with mine, it may deter me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the trial and then shift the narrative towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that depicts the victorious presence of God in your life.
It is important to recognize the unique aspects of your own experiences that may not resonate with others. To overcome this, it can be helpful to study songs that align with the emotions you want to convey and observe how the songwriters engage listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply listing details.
Thirdly, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally and physically affected by a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to genuinely express it through a testimonial song. Often, pouring your pain into the lyrics can come across as self-centered, unless you are specifically aiming to create a heartfelt country song that evokes emotions. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but do understand that it is not a true testimonial but rather a sorrowful country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to understand that they likely have their own challenges to navigate. If you simply unload your own issues onto them, they may not have the patience to listen for very long. This is why therapists and journals exist – to provide a safe space for you to express your struggles and pains. So, it's crucial to think about the impact your lyrics will have on your listeners. What kind of emotional space are you inviting them into? How will they feel once they've heard 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 broad message rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song that narrates your personal childhood story, it might be more beneficial to focus on highlighting positive biblical themes that showcase God's healing power in overcoming negative experiences. There are numerous approaches to express your testimony, so it would be wise to explore different avenues before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that showcases how God has succeeded 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's important to remember that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis is a way to release emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's triumph over the hardships you have faced, highlighting His ultimate victory in your innermost being regardless of the path you took.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore testimony songs and various other topics. While many individuals are interested in accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to delve deeper into your songwriting skills and feel a strong calling to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call will give you the opportunity to determine if this program is suitable for you, with no obligations. Take advantage of this opportunity and schedule your free call now.
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