By, Graça Custódio - Angola

I strongly believe in the power of prayer. My mom is a strong and Godly woman. She has ten children including me. She is a very religious and faithful person. She loves to pray and sing gospel songs. My mom gave all of her children a good religious education. She always told me that whatever I want or need God would always provide for me. She taught me that I only needed to pray, trust in God, and receive His blessings. In addition, I have to give thanks to God, every day when I wake up and before going to bed. My mom has always said, “That it is because we never know what tomorrow will bring, just God knows.” She is a very rich woman, meaning that it is not about material things, but about how strong her faith is.

My name is Graca and in English it means Grace. I asked my mom why she gave me this name? She told me that when she was pregnant with me, she was sick and suffered a lot. She had to stay in the hospital until I was born. The doctors told my mom that she would probably not carry me the full pregnancy and that she might even lose me. But my mom never gave in or gave up. The doctors had give up hope, but my mother continued to pray everyday and night, in every moment that she stayed in the hospital to the Lady of Grace. However, my mom knew that God would strengthen and comfort her during this very scary time.

My mom, dad, and my grandparents prayed constantly for a safe delivery. Everyday the doctors gave my family bad news. On the other hand, my family knew that everything was in God’s hands and that there was no need for worry.

My mom made a promise to the Lady of Grace, because three days before I was born she couldn’t feel my movements. My mom promised the Lady of Grace that she would give her name to me, if I were born without complications. In addition, the doctors were surprised that I was born with excellent health and full of life. This was no surprise to my mom, because she knew that God would provide and make a way in this situation. I feel very honored to have the name Graca. My mom knows I am a very special and unique gift from God. I have faith, because my mom taught me that the power of prayer is very real and in this I believe.