What My Brother’s Time in Jail Taught Me About Mercy and God’s Timing

There I was—standing in the middle of a Christmas aisle that looked like chaos. The ornaments I wanted? Gone. The colors I needed? Sold out.

I had already been to three stores, and I just stood there completely defeated.

Here I am again, I thought. Last-minute mom.

This year has been a whirlwind. Between juggling work and dealing with home repairs, my family walked through something we never expected. My brother spent the last eight months in jail. Not knowing what the outcome would be, I felt like I was living in life’s giant waiting room. It took more out of me than I wanted to admit—and Christmas shopping wasn’t exactly at the top of my priority list.

Maybe you’ve been in that waiting room too.
Maybe you’re sitting in it right now.

I wish I could tell you I waited well—that I kept the best attitude and that my faith stayed strong. But that wouldn’t be true.

The truth is, I cried a lot in that waiting room. I doubted. And honestly, I dreaded Christmas.
How would it feel without my brother there to hug my nieces and nephews? How would my mom handle the heartache? I didn’t want to face it. 

And then, to our complete surprise, came the sweetest gift—mercy.

My brother came home much sooner than we anticipated, and just in time for the holidays.

The wait was over. It was the biggest relief, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like I could breathe again.

If I could go back in time, and tell myself anything while I sat in that waiting room it would be this:

 What if it works out better than you can imagine? Remember what God has done for you. You've seen things you thought were impossible happen right before your eyes. That same God sees you now. He's with you. Even in the waiting and the grief, He’s holding you, and you can still live fully! Live as though the best outcome is unfolding, because it is. Be kind to yourself, because what you're walking through isn't easy - but you are not alone. 

Here are some verses to remind you of truth:

“Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14 

“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8 

“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.” Psalm 23:4 

“O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”  Jeremiah 32:17

“Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” Matthew 19:26 

If I could've told myself that no doubt about it- I would've found the ornaments I needed in October. Ha! But, that's okay. Now my brother is home and what I didn’t realize was how much I needed the reminder of God’s mercy.

My brother had been facing up to 20 years in prison, yet here he was—given another chance.

Could God’s love be that forgiving?
Yes. Yes. Yes… and Amen!

I don’t know about you, but I need that kind of mercy. I’m an imperfect human who’s gotten it wrong many times, yet God still calls me chosen, loved, and His. I’ve carried guilt for a long time over things I wish I could go back and change. Watching what God did for my brother felt like God saying, “Yes, I know—and it’s forgiven. Release it. Let it go.”

I can accept the gift of mercy this Christmas, and so can you.

Mercy is when God doesn’t give us what we deserve, but instead pours out compassion.

            Mercy is the story of Christmas.

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.’”

Luke 2:10–11

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

             God sent His Son, Jesus, not because we earned it or deserved it, but because He loved us enough to offer forgiveness, hope, and a new future. 

I hope you enjoy this Christmas season knowing how loved you are. Live this season to the fullest, knowing the best is yet to come! 

With Love, Your friend,
Reyna Reyna

If you missed it on air, here’s the snippet!