Personal Blog
Sharing my Journey of Faith
I found solace in Christ after experiencing a challenging childhood that society now labels as "dysfunctional." However, back then, it was just the norm during the tumultuous times of the 1960s and '70s. Unaware that our struggles would be categorized, Jesus miraculously entered my life.
My life underwent a profound change when I received assistance in establishing a connection with the indescribable love that Jesus embodies.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely transformed. This love that I experienced has been my source of strength and support for more than five decades, guiding me through both the highs and lows, the successes and losses, and the moments of joy as well. I firmly believe that the course of my life was permanently altered 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 motivates me to be a Christian songwriter and assist others in expressing this incredible truth through music. It forms the foundation of Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, are dedicated to spreading the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith? Perhaps you experienced God's love 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 my experience, I have encountered numerous Christian songwriters who have faced immense struggles such as abuse, divorce, or grief. These individuals have expressed a desire to learn how to convey their pain through music and share how God has been their source of strength throughout it all. As James Finley puts it, "God does not shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them."
However, what is the process of encapsulating our personal experiences and stories into exceptional musical compositions? How can we effectively convey our testimonies through remarkable songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both positive and negative moments. However, when it comes to expressing these experiences through Christian music, how can we effectively capture our testimonies? In this regard, I have three helpful tips that I believe will assist you in considering the most effective ways to convey your personal stories in Christian songs. By doing so, listeners will not only appreciate your music but also find solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared theme or element in your narrative that resonates with a large number of individuals.
Loneliness and feeling lost are familiar emotions that everyone can relate to at times. To engage others in your song, it is important to create a connection by allowing them to identify with your story. By incorporating elements of our own experiences, we can connect with and appreciate your story on a deeper level.
If your story doesn't capture our attention or resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. Becky Norquist, a friend of ours who attended NCS, has gone through the difficult experience of enduring five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Through her music and ministry, she primarily supports grieving families, but she also incorporates universal themes in her songs that anyone who has suffered any kind of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to and continue to engage with her music.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or sentiment rather than getting caught up in
I was introduced to the idea by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, it may seem contradictory, 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 serve the listener's understanding. If you delve too much into specific locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other particulars, there is a chance that your audience may become disengaged.
By identifying the shared theme and emotion in your narrative that I can connect with, you encourage me to engage with your piece. If the specific details you provide don't align with my own experiences, it may deter me. It may seem challenging, but it is achievable. You can learn to find the right amount of detail to focus on your emotions during the difficult times and then shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a song of testimony is one that conveys how God has achieved victory in your life.
It is important to keep in mind the unique details of your own experiences that may not be relatable to others. One way to improve your songwriting is to analyze how other songwriters engage listeners by evoking emotions rather than simply describing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
When you're still emotionally wounded and in pain from a traumatic experience, it can be challenging to write a genuine song that reflects your true testimonial. Expressing your pain too intensely in your lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you're composing a traditional country song that embraces heartbreak. If that's the direction you want to take, then go ahead and pursue it, but keep in mind that it won't serve as a testimony, but rather a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own personal struggles to cope with. If you simply unload your own pain 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 emotional wounds. It's crucial to think about 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 succeeded in creating an uplifting worship song called "My Testimony" that effectively conveys a message grounded in Scripture. Instead of focusing on a personal narrative about your childhood, it might be beneficial to explore Scriptural themes that highlight the transformative and healing power of God, steering away from negative experiences. There are countless ways to express your testimony, so it would be wise to consider alternative approaches before sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that portrays how God overcame obstacles in your life. The process of catharsis is crucial for your emotional well-being. It might be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself as well, but it is important to understand the distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials honor God's triumph over the hardships you experienced and His ultimate victory within your soul, regardless of the path taken.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, we explore testimony songs and various other topics over the course of eight weeks. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to enhance your songwriting skills and have a deep desire to develop your ministry, you can click on the link provided to schedule a free phone call. This call will help determine if our program is suitable for you, and there is no obligation to commit. Schedule your free call now.
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