Personal Testimony Blog
Sharing my Experience of Finding Faith
I embraced Christianity after growing up in a troubled childhood that is now commonly referred to as "dysfunctional." However, during the tumultuous years of the 1960s and 1970s, we were unaware that our experiences would be labeled as such. Nevertheless, Jesus somehow intervened in my life and brought about a significant change.
My life underwent a profound change when an individual assisted me in discovering and experiencing the indescribable love that Jesus possesses.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This enduring love has supported me throughout more than five decades, guiding me through the highs and lows, the successes and sorrows, and all the positive experiences as well. I can attest that the course of my life was permanently altered when I experienced God's love for the very first time at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work as a Christian songwriter is to express the incredible reality of the love of Jesus. Nashville Christian Songwriters and all of our platforms, including podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, are dedicated to spreading this love to people all over the world.
What is your personal story of faith and spirituality? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood while attending church, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you went through a significant loss that left you broken. In our coaching programs for Christian songwriters, we often encounter individuals who have experienced immense pain, abuse, or divorce and are eager to learn how to express their emotions and how God supported them throughout these difficult times. According to James Finley, God doesn't prevent us from experiencing hardships, but rather miraculously helps us endure them.
However, the question remains: How can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful music?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences and faith through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this regard, I have three suggestions that I believe will assist you in capturing your personal stories in a manner that resonates with listeners, providing them with comfort, healing, and hope.
To begin, attempt to discover a shared theme in your narrative that can resonate with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that are familiar to everyone at some point in their lives. To engage people in your story, it is important to create a connection and allow them to relate to it. By incorporating elements of our own experiences, we are able to connect the dots and become captivated by your narrative.
If your story doesn't capture our attention and resonate with something we have personally encountered, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a former student of NCS and a close friend of ours, has experienced the heartache of going through five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, she specifically addresses the struggles faced by grieving families. However, she also incorporates universal themes in her songs that allow anyone who has experienced any form of loss – which includes all of us – to relate and remain engaged with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the overall feeling or mood rather than getting caught up
I was introduced to Dave Clark, a highly productive songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, who shared a valuable piece of advice that 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 avoid including unnecessary and unhelpful details in your song that might confuse or disengage your listener. If you delve too much into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other particulars, there is a chance of losing the audience's interest.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your story that resonates with me, you create a connection and engage me in your narrative. If the specific details of your story don't align with my own experiences, it may deter my interest. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to strike a balance between providing sufficient details and avoiding excessive information, with the aim of emphasizing your emotions during the difficult situation and ultimately shifting the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a musical expression that showcases the victorious presence of God in your personal experiences.
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 and analyze songs that evoke emotional responses by engaging listeners, rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still experiencing emotional pain and trauma from a difficult event in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your raw emotions in your lyrics might be perceived as self-centered, unless you intend to create a traditional country song that evokes a sense of sorrow. If that is your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but be aware that it would be more of a melancholic country song rather than a genuine testimony.
When considering your audience, it's important to acknowledge that they likely have their own personal struggles to deal with. 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 serve as outlets for your dysfunction and pain. Take into account how your lyrics will impact your listeners. What kind of emotional space 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 rooted in Scripture. Instead of writing a song focused on your childhood experiences, it might be beneficial to explore Scriptural themes that highlight God's healing power in overcoming negative aspects. There are numerous approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative methods before delving into personal pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that reflects on how God has overcome challenges in your life. Expressing your emotions and finding release is crucial for your overall emotional well-being. It may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it's important to note that there is a distinction between catharsis and testimonials. Catharsis is a way of releasing pent-up emotions, while testimonials celebrate God's ability to triumph over the difficult experiences you've faced, ultimately leading to victory in your soul regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which lasts for eight weeks and takes place online, we delve into the art of writing testimony songs and cover many other topics as well. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are truly dedicated to advancing your skills as a songwriter and feel a strong desire to develop your ministry, you can follow this link to arrange a free phone call with no obligations. During this call, we can determine if this program is the right fit for you. Don't hesitate to schedule your free call now.
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