AJC

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    Max Lucado on Tame Your Thoughts: 3 Biblical Tools to Renew Your Mind and Overcome Anxiety

    In a world where anxiety, depression, and hopelessness seem to be on the rise, the battle often begins in the quiet corners of our minds. I’ve lived that battle—and, by God’s grace, the victory. In Tame Your Thoughts, Max Lucado reminds us that we are not powerless. With deliberate, faith-filled steps, we can silence the lies, uproot toxic thinking, and plant seeds of truth. One thought at a time, God can transform your mind—and your life.

    Read my full column on the blog and watch my interview with Max on God-Sized Stories with Patricia Holbrook—available on the blog and all podcast platforms.

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    Rescue at the Reef, Redemption in the Storm: Inside a Child’s Miraculous Survival Story and the Faith That Turned Tragedy into Testimony

    When I sat down to interview the Reeder family, I expected to hear a remarkable survival story. What I didn’t anticipate was the profound faith that would echo through every detail of their harrowing journey. From the terrifying moment a shark attacked their 10-year-old son to the miraculous string of events that saved his life, this story is far more than a tale of tragedy—it’s a testimony of God’s mercy, power, and the unshakable faith of a child.

    📖 Read the blog and be inspired by a little boy’s big faith:”Rescue at the Reef, Redemption in the Storm”

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    Empowered to Love—and Whole Enough to Give It

    “I Am Third.”

    The phrase, popularized by NFL legend Gale Sayers, may sound noble—putting God first, others second, and ourselves last. But as I reflected on Jesus’ words in Matthew 22, I began to wrestle with a vital question:

    Can we truly love others well… if we constantly neglect ourselves?

    In this week’s Atlanta Journal-Constitution column, I share how reading Empowered to Love—a powerful new book by Dr. Bob Paul and Dr. Tara LaLonde—challenged my view on self-care in a biblical context. Drawing from Scripture and my own journey as a young mother, I explore why Jesus included “as yourself” in His command to love—and why learning to care for our own emotional and spiritual health is not selfish, but essential.

    If you’ve ever felt depleted, overwhelmed, or unsure how to love from a place of strength, this message is for you.

    💬 READ the full column now at PatriciaHolbrook.com🎧 Then tune in to this week’s God-Sized Stories podcast featuring Dr. Bob Paul—and enter to win a copy of Empowered to Love!

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    When the Wine Runs Out:Finding faith—and God’s glory—at the edge of the unknown

    What do you do when the wine runs out?

    In my latest column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I reflect on Jesus’ first miracle—the quiet, powerful moment at a wedding in Cana where water became wine. It wasn’t just about saving a celebration from embarrassment—it was about revealing the glory of God through simple, obedient faith.

    As I meditated on this passage, God reminded me of the power of obeying His voice—even when it doesn’t make sense. Sometimes, our miracle is waiting on the other side of a step of faith.

    👉 Read the full article now and be encouraged to trust Him at the edge of your unknown.

    ✨ Let’s talk about it—what is He asking you to believe or do today?

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    How the Enemy Wins Without a Fight

    How does the enemy win… without even lifting a sword?

    Not with an all-out assault—but through subtle compromise.

    In the Book of Judges, we see God’s people go from victory to captivity—not because of an overpowering enemy, but because of the slow, steady erosion of obedience. A toehold became a foothold. A foothold became a stronghold. And before they knew it, the Israelites were bound—spiritually numb, emotionally weary, and far from the God who once led them into freedom.

    That same strategy is still in play today.

    If we’re not vigilant, we too can find ourselves drifting—not because we turned away from God in a single moment, but because we let our guard down, one small decision at a time.

    But there is hope. God never abandons His people. He’s still in the business of breaking strongholds and reviving hearts.

    👉 Read my latest AJC column now and share it with someone who needs a reminder that freedom is just one surrendered prayer away.

    Let’s trade compromise for courage—and walk in full obedience to the One who fights for us.

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    The God Who Chooses the Broken: How the flawed and forgotten become vessels of glory in his hands

    Scripture is full of reminders that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. Murderers, adulterers, cowards, and outcasts fill the pages of His story, proving that our past doesn’t disqualify us from His purpose.

    That truth came alive in my recent conversation with Angie Howell, author of Jewel of Heaven. A mother of seven, Angie stood at the edge of despair when her newborn daughter was diagnosed with a fatal condition. But through an unlikely encounter with a group of Christian bikers, God delivered a miracle that changed everything.

    Read more in my latest Atlanta Journal-Constitution column.

    No one is too broken for God. And Angie’s story is proof.

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    Beyond Easter: When Resurrection Truth Meets Daily Struggles

    The job didn’t come through. The pressure kept building. And then—Easter came and went, almost unnoticed.

    But resurrection wasn’t meant to be seasonal. Jesus didn’t just rise—He reigns. And because He reigns, hope isn’t tied to circumstances. It’s anchored in Him.

    💡 Read my latest column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Beyond Easter: When Resurrection Truth Meets Daily Struggles”

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    Exploring the Supernatural: Lee Strobel’s Latest Investigation

    Have you ever wondered whether supernatural experiences are real—or just figments of imagination? In this week’s post, I share a personal story that shattered my skepticism as a college student and point to a fascinating new investigation by bestselling author Lee Strobel. His latest book, Seeing the Supernatural, dives into near-death experiences, angelic encounters, and the mysteries of the unseen world with journalistic depth and biblical insight.

    🕊️ Whether you’re a seeker, skeptic, or believer, this read—and my conversation with Strobel—will challenge your perspective and deepen your faith.

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    Like an Evergreen Tree: Aging with Purpose

    As seasons change and life moves forward, how can we remain rooted, thriving with purpose and strength? In my latest column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I share timeless lessons from nature and faith — and an inspiring conversation with Dr. Mark Rutland about aging with grace, joy, and unwavering resilience. Like the evergreen tree, we, too, can flourish through every season of life.

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    This Easter, She Lives

    In my latest column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, I share a deeply personal story—one of loss, peace, and the living hope we celebrate at Easter.

    As my dear mother-in-law faced her final days, she did so with grace and unwavering faith. Her body grew weak, but her spirit stood firm on the promise that death is not the end.

    This Easter, we rejoice in knowing that because Christ lives… she lives.

    I invite you to read the full story and be reminded of the power of resurrection hope.