Sometimes you have to pause and thank God for His goodness.
In 2023, I wrote a blog post about my younger brother’s battle with alcohol addiction. He had been struggling with alcoholism since he was 15, sneaking liquor into his bedroom when no one was home or paying attention.
There were many days in his twenties when I would find my brother passed out drunk. In 2022, he finally went into a treatment facility, but unfortunately, he checked himself out and went back to drinking.
Walking with him through this addiction has been tough on my family, and through it all we have continued praying for his deliverance and complete healing.
I remember once when I sent him a study Bible and encouraged him to read it. I believed that God’s Word was powerful enough to change him, and I thought that maybe if he just read a few scriptures each day it would make a difference.
But to be honest, my faith waned as I watched my brother continue drinking and rarely open the Bible. My mother asked her pastors to pray for him, various family members prayed with and over him, and we always encouraged him. Many times I felt that it would be impossible for him to be delivered because nothing we seemed to try made a difference: psychiatrists, AA meetings, and seemingly, not even the Word.
But, nothing is impossible with God.
It brings tears to my eyes and so much joy in my heart to share that on September 20, 2025, my brother was baptized! My mother’s church (where he attends) has a yearly men’s retreat called Man Camp, and there in front of his other brothers in Christ, my brother rededicated his life and commitment to the Lord.
My brother (far right) before being baptized at Man Camp. My brother, middle, with his arms lifted in praise. My brother, center, the at the Sunday worship service after Man Camp.
God is able!
And not only that. My brother has transformed into a fervent, beautiful witness for Christ who constantly prays for his family and co-workers, reads and shares scriptures, and encourages everyone he meets. He’s been alcohol free for more than a year, and each day he grows stronger and healthier.
His light is shining so brightly. It’s such an inspiration to see how far he’s come, and by God’s grace and strength, how far he’s going. His journey has taught me so much about faith and trusting in God, and I’m thankful that after all of the years of trying to help him, through his testimony he’s also been able to help me.
My faith weakened as I prayed for my brother’s deliverance because I wanted God to bring healing on my time. And even though the past 18 years of his addiction have been long and tough, God delivered my brother in His perfect time and wisdom.
Just an encouraging reminder to those who may need it: Hold on. God is truly never late.
Hallelujah!
“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed.
They will put their trust in the Lord.”
Psalm 40:1-3
This has definitely been a testament of faith! This was not, by any means, an easy journey, but it was worth the journey. I thank God for my son, for my daughters, for my niece, sister, and family support as we went through this walk. I praise God for what He has done and knowing that my son’s story was/is for HIS glory!!