Personal Blog
Sharing from My Personal Experience
My journey towards finding faith in Christ began during a difficult and challenging childhood that is often referred to as "dysfunctional" by society today. However, back then, it was simply the reality of growing up in the chaotic era of the 1960s and 1970s. It was unexpected, but Jesus somehow played a significant role in transforming my life.
My life went through a significant change when someone assisted me in forming a deep connection with the overwhelming love that Jesus has for us.
The image was captured by Laura E. Partain
In a single moment, my life was completely transformed. This enduring love has been my source of strength and support throughout the past five decades, encompassing both the highs and lows, the moments of success and sorrow, as well as the joys. The pivotal point in my life occurred when I experienced the overwhelming love of God at the age of eighteen, permanently altering the course of my journey.
The reason that keeps me going and motivates my actions is also the reason why I became a Christian songwriter and why I strive to assist others in writing songs that can capture the beauty of this extraordinary reality. The fundamental principle that drives Nashville Christian Songwriters and all our platforms, such as podcasts, videos, blogs, and coaching programs, is to spread the love of Jesus to every individual on Earth.
What is your personal story of faith? It could be that you experienced God's love during your childhood in church, or that you turned to Him as an adult to overcome addiction. It's also possible that you have been deeply hurt by a significant loss. Many Christian songwriters who have gone through immense pain, abuse, or divorce have reached out to us to join our coaching programs. They have a desire to learn how to express their suffering and how God has given them strength to endure. According to James Finley, God doesn't shield us from hardships, but rather miraculously supports us through them.
However, what is the best way to express our experiences and stories through powerful and impactful songs?
Throughout our lives, we experience both the joys and challenges that come with it. However, when it comes to expressing our personal stories through Christian songs, how can we effectively convey our testimonies? In this regard, I have three suggestions that may assist you in considering how to artfully capture your personal experiences in a way that resonates with listeners, offering them solace, restoration, and encouragement.
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 universal experiences that we all understand. When you share your story in a way that resonates with people, it allows them to connect with your song on a deeper level. It's important to include elements that reflect our own experiences, so that we can relate and become emotionally invested in your story.
If your story doesn't captivate us and resonate with something we have personally experienced, we will lose interest. One of our acquaintances, Becky Norquist, who attended NCS, went through the heartbreak of five miscarriages and one stillbirth. In her music and ministry, she primarily addresses the struggles of grieving families. However, she also incorporates enough universal themes in her songs that anyone who has suffered any form of loss – which includes all of us – can relate to her music and remain engaged.
Next, focus on capturing the overall feeling or mood rather than getting caught up
I was initially introduced to the concept by Dave Clark, a well-known songwriter and publisher at Lillenas Music, and it has stuck with me ever since. At first glance, what he said may seem contradictory, but it actually isn't. The first point is to identify a central theme or emotion that will serve as the foundation for your song. The second point is to refrain from including irrelevant details in your lyrics that may confuse or disengage your audience. If you delve too deeply into specifics such as locations, timeframes, dates, names, or other unnecessary information, there is a risk of losing the listener's interest.
When you identify the shared theme and emotion in your story that I can personally connect with, it allows me to be a part of your narrative. If the specific details you provide don't align with my own experiences, it may deter my engagement. Although it may seem challenging, it is possible to find the right amount of detail that focuses on conveying your emotions during the difficult time and then shifting towards the redemptive aspect of God's intervention in your life.
…a testimonial song is a musical expression that highlights the victory of God in your personal experiences.
It is important to understand that there may be certain details in your story that are unique to you and that others may not be able to relate to. To help with this, you can look for examples of songs that are similar to the one you want to write and observe how the songwriters engage listeners in an emotional experience rather than simply listing specific details.
Next, it is important to understand the distinction between catharsis and testimonial.
If you're still feeling the emotional pain and suffering from a traumatic experience in your life, it can be challenging to authentically express it through a testimonial song. Sharing your innermost feelings in your lyrics can sometimes be perceived as self-centered, except if you're crafting a heartfelt country song that allows for vulnerability. If that's your intention, go ahead and pursue it, but it's important to recognize that it won't be considered a true testimony, but rather a melancholic country tune.
When considering your audience, it's important to recognize that they likely have their own struggles and challenges to contend 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 expressing your dysfunction and pain. 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 done an excellent job with their uplifting praise song "My Testimony" by conveying a message that is grounded in Scripture. Instead of writing a song that solely focuses on your childhood experiences, it would be beneficial to explore positive themes from the Bible that showcase God's healing abilities in overcoming negativity. There are numerous ways to express your personal testimony, so it would be wise to explore alternative approaches before delving into sharing your pain with others.
In summary, a testimonial song is a song that showcases how God has achieved victory in your life. It is crucial for your emotional well-being to have a cathartic release. Perhaps you should also write these songs for yourself, but keep in mind that there is a distinction between the two types. Catharsis involves releasing emotions, while testimonials rejoice in God's triumph over the challenges you have faced and His ultimate victory in your soul, regardless of the path taken to get there.
In our NCS Pro Song Mastery program, which spans over eight weeks and is conducted online, we delve into the art of writing songs inspired by personal experiences and also explore various other aspects. While many individuals seek free Christian songwriting courses and webinars, if you are eager to take your songwriting skills to the next level and have a strong desire to establish your ministry, you can use the provided link to schedule a free phone call. This call is not binding and serves as an opportunity to determine if this program is suitable for you. Book your free call now.
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