A successful well-known Christian singer-songwriter, Don Moen, flew to Hong Kong several years ago His trip turned into the scariest event of his life.

In the middle of the concert, he suddenly became dizzy and disoriented as his chest became tight and heavy. He immediately thought it could only be a heart attack. He had been smiling, standing, holding a microphone, and leading a huge crowd in praise, but when the feeling hit, he quickly sat down at the piano. One of the singers close to him asked him if anything was wrong. He worked at staying focused but was starting to miss the lyrics of the song.

The bassist walked over to him at the end of the song and whispered that Don should sing a blessing over Hong Kong. Without explaining the horrible feeling, he asked the guy to do it, in which he did. Then Don began hearing a voice saying he was going to die. When Don got back to the hotel, he told his wife about what he experienced, even though he was beginning to feel better.

The next day as his wife and crew were flying on to Jakarta to another gig, his feelings returned, and he suddenly felt claustrophobic and trapped in the plane. So, when they arrived, he asked to see a doctor ASAP. The doctor told him he had or was having a heart attack. He wanted to order Don on a medical flight to Singapore for heart surgery.

Don knew he had 4 more concerts to do, so he refused those orders and said he just wanted to go to a local hospital.

After several tests, the doctor said his heart was fine, but he sensed Don was extremely tired and was having panic attacks. Don had no idea what they were. The doctor explained that the perfect storm of ongoing physical, mental, and emotional trauma can occur in the mind and body as a result. Being told that, he remembered hearing the voice telling him he was going to die, yet was told by the bass player to say a blessing over the city. He realized the spiritual forces of darkness were present and didn’t want this group to sing blessings over the city.

A few weeks later, in Los Angeles, he was in the middle of a dead-stop, stand-still, six-lane traffic jam and began having those scary feelings again. He immediately called his doctor in Mobile, about all the attacks, and was told to see him when he got back home. It was then that he shared all what was going on in his life.He was experiencing financial stress of keeping cash flowing for his crew and concert events, an earthquake had cancelled 2 sold-out tours in Taiwan, and he had just lost his mother from Alzheimer’s. The doctor then told him that he had had several major issues that he has chosen not to deal with. And, until he did, his mind and body would not cooperate with his fast-paced lifestyle.

Sweeping his grief and pain under the rug kept him being paralyzed with fear and anxiety. He had to do something about it. He then was reminded of 1 Peter 5:7, saying ‘Cast all your anxiety on Him (Jesus) because He cares for you’ (NIV). Then Don realized he had to throw his burdens and worries to Jesus, who would replace them with peace. It’s not always easy to do that, but people have been professing through the ages that it has worked for them. After that, Don hasn’t experienced the panic attacks. He can be seen on YouTube, giving excellent performances.

Don emphasizes in his book GOD WILL MAKE A WAY that God doesn’t cause things like depression and anxiety, but He obviously allows them to get through to us to get our attention. Who else does one, whether Christian or not, call on when in dire need?

I personally felt this information may help some reader or readers. That’s what this column is all about: bringing hope and joy and uplifting people. Have a blessed week and remember to share a smile each time you can. Even that just might be all someone needs.