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Famed Christian Singer Opens Up About Drug Abuse

CBN

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Christian music icon Michael W. Smith recently shared his personal journey of battling drug abuse, during an appearance on The Church Boys podcast to promote his new album, "Hymns II: Shine on Us."

Smith began his music career at an early age and although he grew up in a Christian home he recalled the moment that he understood the gospel message.

"I remember sitting with all my friends and just something happened. It was like an epiphany," the singer told The Church Boys. "A light bulb went off. Jesus really is who he said he was."

Smith moved to Nashville at age 17 to pursue a music career, but it was a journey that would take him away from his faith and down a dark road.

Over a four year period, Smith said he entered into "crazy drug phase" and almost lost his life.

"I lost my way," he said. "Still, to this day, I can't believe I did that for four years and got deceived and almost died a couple of times."

"I should have been dead," he added.

It wasn't until 1979 that Smith said his life turned a corner, a change that he credits to his parent's prayers and unwavering faith in God.

"I felt like the God of the universe just came down and laid on the floor with me," he said. "I knew I was going to lose my life if something didn't change. I was stuck."

After that experience Smith recommitted his life to Jesus Christ and soon after began playing as a keyboardist in Higher Ground.

Smith's drug and alcohol abuse is now a thing of the past but he believes he is where he is today because of God and his parents unconditional love.

"I have not been the same since then," he said.

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