Personal Blog Post
Sharing my Journey to Finding Christ
Growing up in the 1960's and '70's, my childhood was far from perfect. It was what people today would label as "dysfunctional," although back then, it was just the norm for us. Little did we know that our experiences would later be categorized under a specific term. However, amidst the chaos, Jesus miraculously entered my life and changed everything.
My life underwent a significant change when an individual aided me in establishing a profound connection with the incomprehensible love that Jesus embodies.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my entire life was completely shaken. 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 sorrows, and even the joyful moments. I can confidently say that the course of my life was permanently altered when I first experienced the love of God at the age of eighteen.
The reason for my existence and the motivation behind my work is what keeps me going. It is the driving force behind my career as a Christian songwriter, where I aim to assist others in creating songs that can effectively communicate the incredible truth of faith. This fundamental principle is at the heart of Nashville Christian Songwriters, and all our various platforms – podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs – are dedicated to spreading the message of Jesus' love to people worldwide.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or perhaps you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It could also be that you have endured a significant loss that left you broken. In our coaching programs, we have encountered numerous Christian songwriters who have gone through immense pain, abuse, or divorce, and who wish to learn how to express their struggles and how God has provided strength throughout their journey. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, the question remains: how can we effectively express our personal experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
As we journey through life, we experience both the highs and lows. However, when it comes to expressing our personal experiences in Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? I have three suggestions that may assist you in considering how to beautifully capture your testimonials. By doing so, listeners will not only enjoy your music but also find solace, restoration, and optimism.
To begin with, attempt to discover a shared theme or experience in your narrative that many individuals can relate to.
Loneliness and feeling lost are emotions that almost everyone can relate to. By allowing people to connect with your story, you create a powerful invitation for them to be a part of your song. It is important for us to find elements of our own experiences within your story. This connection allows us to empathize and become emotionally invested in your narrative.
If there is nothing in your narrative that captures our attention and resonates with our own experiences, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances, Becky Norquist, who is a former student at NCS, went through the difficult experience of having five miscarriages and one stillbirth. Her music and ministry are centered around supporting grieving families, but she also incorporates broader themes in her songs that can resonate with anyone who has experienced any kind of loss. This allows all of us to connect with her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the feeling or mood rather than getting caught up in
Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher, once mentioned that it is crucial to remember two important points when writing a song. The first 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 lyrics, as they can confuse or disinterest the listener. It is important to avoid getting too caught up in specifics such as location, time, dates, names, or other minutiae, as it may result in losing the audience's attention.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can connect with, you encourage me to be a part of your narrative. If your specific experiences differ from mine, it may discourage me. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to achieve. You can learn to find the right amount of detail that focuses on your emotions during the challenging times, and then shift the focus towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
… a testimonial song is a song that illustrates the ways in which God has succeeded or achieved victory in your life.
It is important to acknowledge the specific details in your own story that are unique to you and cannot be easily understood by others. One way to enhance your songwriting is by examining models of songs that align with the emotions you want to convey, and observing how the writers effectively engage listeners in those emotions rather than simply stating factual information.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you are still emotionally and physically impacted by a significant event in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your pain through lyrics may sometimes be perceived as self-centered, unless you are composing a traditional country song meant to evoke emotions. If that is your intention, then go ahead and pursue it, but it is important to acknowledge that it is not a genuine testimony, rather it falls into the category of a melancholic country song.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own personal struggles to face. If you simply unload your own pain onto them, they may not be willing to listen for very long. This is why professionals like therapists and the act of journaling exist – they provide a safe outlet for expressing and dealing with our dysfunction and hurts. 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 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 broad message based on Scripture. Instead of writing a song that focuses on your childhood experiences, it might be better to explore positive biblical themes that showcase God's ability to bring healing and overcome negativity. There are many different approaches to sharing your testimony, so it would be beneficial to explore other ways before delving into the depths of your pain.
In summary, a testimonial song is one that shares the story of how God has triumphed in your life. It is important, and even necessary, for your emotional wellbeing to have a release or cleansing of emotions. While it may be beneficial for you to write these songs for yourself, it's essential to remember that there is a distinction between catharsis and testimonial songs. Catharsis is a way to unload or release emotions, while testimonials highlight and celebrate God's victory over the challenges you have faced, ultimately bringing triumph to your soul regardless of the path taken to reach it.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which spans over eight weeks and is conducted online, we explore the depths of testimony songs and various other topics. While many individuals are interested in accessing free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you have a deep desire to enhance your songwriting skills and feel a strong calling to establish your ministry, we invite you to click on the provided link to arrange a complimentary phone call. This call will help us determine if our program aligns with your goals and aspirations. Book your free call today.
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