In this powerful and uplifting conversation, Jay Holland sits down with beloved pastor and best-selling author Max Lucado to explore the themes of his newest book, Tame Your Thoughts. With decades of pastoral experience and 40+ books to his name, Max shares deep biblical wisdom and practical tools to help both adults and children manage their thought lives through faith and truth.

Together, Jay and Max discuss:

• Why our internal narratives shape our lives—and how to rewrite them

• How brain science is finally catching up to biblical truth

• Three powerful tools for mental and emotional health:

1. Practice Picky Thinking
2. Identify UFOs (Untruths → False Narratives → Overreactions)
3. Uproot and Replant with Scripture

• How lies about identity and failure can derail both teens and parents

• Why recognizing and correcting our own thought patterns as parents can transform our relationships

• The surprising story behind Max Lucado’s first tattoo at age 70 (hint: it’s a Greek word from the cross)

This episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and tools to help you and your family live freer, more Christ-centered lives.

Key Takeaways:

• “You get to control the story in your head, but the story in your head will control you.” – Jay Holland

• Belief leads to behavior. Shaping your belief begins by shaping your thoughts.

• Studies show people with a belief in a loving God recover from disease at exponentially higher rates.

• Scripture and neuroscience both affirm that your brain can be renewed.

• Parental overreactions often stem from unexamined false narratives—recognize and replace them with truth.

• Teaching your kids to identify untruths and replant with Scripture equips them for lifelong emotional resilience.

Scripture Highlighted in This Episode:

• Proverbs 4:23 – "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts."

• Romans 12:2 – "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."

• Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true... think about such things.”

• Romans 8:1 – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Max’s 3-Step Toolkit for Mental Health:

• Step 1: Practice Picky Thinking – Don’t believe every thought you think. Guard your mind’s door.

• Step 2: Identify UFOs – Trace overreactions back to false narratives and root lies.

• Step 3: Uproot and Replant – Replace toxic thoughts with Scripture and truth.

Let’s Parent on Purpose is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcasting Network. For more information, visit www.ChristianParenting.org

Bio

Max Lucado is a pastor, speaker, and best-selling author of more than 40 books for adults and children. Known for his warmth, biblical insight, and storytelling, Max’s work has encouraged millions to embrace the grace of God. He serves as Teaching Pastor at Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas, and continues to write, speak, and share God’s love globally.

Resources mentioned:

Tame Your Thoughts by Max Lucado – Available wherever books are sold

MaxLucado.com – Devotions, YouTube channel Fresh Hope, and more

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