Tag Archives: Faith

Does God Answer all “In Jesus Name” Prayers?

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A few years ago, I met someone who candidly shared that he had lost his faith in God after his mother passed away. He described how he had prayed earnestly, pleaded with God, and truly believed she would be healed. But when she died, he could no longer see the purpose in believing in a God who, in his eyes, hadn’t answered.

After our wedding, I moved to Seattle to join my husband, who was already living there.
We had the privilege of getting to know a dear pastor—a kind and humble man we were introduced to through a mutual friend.

He and his wife welcomed us with such grace, and we quickly got to know and love them, their family, and the congregation they faithfully led.
Not long after we joined the church, he was diagnosed with leukemia. In his 60s.

We prayed.
Oh, how we prayed.

Tearful, fervent prayers. Prayers in Jesus’ name.
Prayers from a church that believed God is able to heal any illness.
Prayers from friends who couldn’t imagine this story ending in death.

But a year later—he was gone.

Those are the prayers that sit heavy in the soul.
The ones whispered through tears in the dead of night.
At hospital bedsides. In war zones. Dorm rooms. Decision tables.
The ones we end the “right” way:
“In Jesus’ name, amen.”

And yet—
some of them are met with silence.
Doors stay shut.
Suffering lingers.
The miracle doesn’t come.
A loved one dies.

If you’ve been there too—
you’re not alone. And you’re not doing it wrong.

I’m sharing what I’ve come to understand about what it truly means to pray in Jesus’ name, and why, even then, the answers we receive may not look the way we hoped or imagined.

The Misunderstood Promise

Jesus says in John 14:13–14:

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

This verse has been quoted in revival meetings, and quiet morning devotions. But it’s often misunderstood.

To ask in Jesus’ name is not just a magic phrase that flips a switch—it means:

  • Asking under His authority, like an ambassador.
  • Asking in alignment with His will, not just our desires.
  • Asking with the goal of glorifying the Father, not gratifying the flesh.

It’s not a blank check. It’s an invitation to pray like Jesus would pray.

And here’s the hard truth:
Even when you do that—sometimes, the answer might still be NO.

Let’s look in the Bible, when the faithful heard “NO”

This is not new. Scripture is full of God-loving, Spirit-led people who prayed with pure hearts—and didn’t get what they asked for.

✦ Moses

He led God’s people through the wilderness. He talked with God face to face. And he prayed:

“Let me go over and see the good land…” (Deut 3:25)

God said NO.

Moses didn’t get to enter the Promised Land. His journey ended on a mountain—overlooking it, but not stepping foot.
Faithful—but denied.

✦ David

He fasted, prayed, and wept for his dying son—the child born from his failure, yes, but still his beloved son.

“Who knows? The Lord may be gracious…” (2 Sam 12:22)

The child still died.

David worshipped anyway. Not because he got what he asked for, but because he trusted who God was, even in the heartbreak.

✦ Paul

He begged God three times to remove the “thorn in his flesh”—something so agonizing that scholars still debate what it was.

“Three times I pleaded…” (2 Corinthians 12:8)

God said no.

Instead, He gave something better than healing:

“My grace is sufficient for you.”

✦ Even Jesus

In Gethsemane, our Savior—the very Son of God—cried out:

“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me…” (Luke 22:42)

But He added,

“Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

And the cup was not taken away.
Jesus drank every bitter drop. For you and I!

And few moments in Scripture illustrate this better than the man with leprosy in Luke 5:12. He approached Jesus with confidence in His power but reverence for His will:

“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”

He didn’t plead. He didn’t demand. He simply believed—and submitted.

If I’m honest, I probably wouldn’t have done that.
If I were in his place—face to face with the King of Kings—I might’ve listed a hundred things. “Heal me. Fix this. Change that. Do it now.”
But this man said only, “If You are willing.”

That kind of faith doesn’t try to control the outcome.
It trusts the One who holds it.

And Jesus responded not only with compassion but with power:

“I am willing. Be clean.”

This is what praying in Jesus’ name really looks like—a posture of trust over control, surrender over strategy.

What if the “No” is the mercy?

Sometimes we ask for things that would wreck us if God said yes. Other times, we’re asking for something good—but God is doing something greater. Something we won’t understand until we look back from eternity.

What if the “unanswered prayer” was the answer?

What if God’s “no” is not rejection—but redirection?
Not punishment—but preparation? Growing & molding us?

When we don’t understand—He still is good!

This I know too well:

GOD is not cruel.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” – Psalm 103:8

He is not ignoring you.

“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry.” – Psalm 34:15

He has not forgotten your tears or dismissed your faith.

“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” – Psalm 56:8

He sees what you cannot.

“His understanding no one can fathom.” – Isaiah 40:28

And when He delays, denies, or remains silent—

“Jesus replied, ‘You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.’” – John 13:7

It is never because He doesn’t care.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7

It’s because His plans are higher, deeper, and more redemptive than we can imagine.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways… as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways.” – Isaiah 55:8–9

God’s plans for us are good.

“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Romans 8:28 brings it all together.

It says:

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Keep praying, even if the answer doesn’t come

So what do we do?

We pray.
We ask boldly.
We weep honestly.
We submit fully.

And when the heavens seem quiet, we cling to the truth that God is still at work.

He is not a vending machine—He is a Father.
Wise. Just.
And He sees beyond your asking, into your becoming.

He knows what you truly need, even when you don’t.

So keep praying.
Not to bend His will to yours,
but to align your heart with His.

Not to get everything you desire,
but to grow into who He created you to be.

This is the power of prayer in Jesus’ name.
Not a guarantee of outcomes —but an invitation to intimacy, to trust, to transformation.

For My Light that Dimmed in April 1994, I Rise.

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The red crosses mark my 4 angels, now watching over me. The only photo of us all together—my Catholic First Communion.

💜

I Rise.

April—the month my world went silent,
laughter stolen, love torn from my grasp.
The embrace of my parents and two siblings—
now a memory I hold but can never touch.

April 1994 did not just take them;
it tried to take me too—
my voice, my light, my innocence, my will to exist.
Darkness swallowed my paradise,
grief clung like a shadow,
but even then, something within refused to fade.

So I Rise.

Not only on April 7th for my little sister Marie Claudine,
or April 17th for Papa,
or April 24th for Mama and my big brother Jean Félix—
I Rise every day.

I rise for forgiveness—I do it for me.
I rise for love; hatred is too heavy a burden to bear.

I rise for my parents’ three surviving gifts,
my first rays of sunshine, whose existence gave my life meaning.

I rise for the little loves they blossomed, —my precious pearls—
treasures my parents never got to hold, spoil or adore.
I rise for their other halves, who cherish and are deeply cherished.

I rise for the scars I bear— a testament to survival.
I rise for the journey I have walked.
For the life I built far from home,
Rooted in love, standing on solid ground.

I rise for the child I once was—
orphaned, lost, abandoned, poor.
Now, a proof that hope survives.

I rise beyond trauma, beyond nightmares.
My story is no longer just my own.
I rise for the children who walk the road I once did,
for those unseen, unheard, alone.

Rising Above the Storms, a whisper:
“You are not alone, your pain does not define you. You are seen, you are worthy, you too can rise.”

I carry wounds neither time nor any human can heal,
yet still, I rise—undefeated.
When strength fails, faith lifts me.
And one day, beyond sorrow,
I will see and hold them again—forever.

For my light that dimmed in April 1994—
I am Here. I Remember. I Grieve. I Speak. I Forgive. I Hope. I Love.

31 Years.

Still. I Rise.

💜

🕊️💜 In loving memory of my four angels perished during the Genocide against the Tutsi in April 1994. May their memories remain a blessing.❤️ 🕊️

Think Before You Believe: Discernment in the Digital Age

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📸 Hawaii

We live in a time where information is everywhere, yet true understanding often feels scarce. It’s easier than ever to form strong opinions about world events based on what we see online. I’ve seen how quickly people accept and share information without questioning its accuracy—sometimes simply because it aligns with what they already believe or because it comes from a confident voice.

I speak from experience— as someone who has witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of misinformation. Having lived through and survived the Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda, I know that words have the power to dehumanize, ignite violence, and lead to unimaginable destruction. But I also know that words have the power to heal, educate, and restore.

📸 Curaçao

I am not here to discredit what others write—there is value in many perspectives. But I do want to remind us to be shrewd. Not everything presented as fact is true, and not every narrative tells the full story. As a follower of Christ, I believe in seeking wisdom, and as a computer engineer, I have learned how to discern between sensationalism and credibility. The Bible itself warns us to be discerning: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” (Proverbs 14:15)

One of the biggest challenges today is that we often consume information in small, curated portions—short videos, viral posts, or trending news snippets. But no single source can capture the full depth of an issue. Understanding requires effort. It means going beyond the surface, reading widely, listening to those who have lived the experience.

📸 Germany

If, like me, you strive to be intentional about what you consume and share, here are a few guiding principles that have helped me:

  • Verify the Source – Before believing or sharing something, check where it comes from. Is it a credible institution? A firsthand account? A well-researched piece or just an opinion?
  • Read Widely – No single source has all the answers. Multiples articles references, books, memoirs, and multiple perspectives help fill in the gaps.
  • Be Skeptical of Viral Content – Misinformation spreads quickly, and AI-generated images, out-of-context quotes, and edited videos can be misleading.
  • Seek Truth, Not Just Confirmation – It’s easy to find sources that affirm what we already believe. Challenge yourself to explore different viewpoints.
  • ChatGPT – Here’s an interesting one {as a disclaimer, this is NOT an endorsement}; ChatGPT isn’t infallible, but it can assist with research and fact-checking. You can ask prompts like: “Verify if this article is accurate,” “Is this newspaper a tabloid?” or “What are credible sources to learn more about [topic]?” to help assess information and find reliable resources. Approach answers with caution and critical thinking.
📸 Vietnam

If you are a follower of Christ:

  • Read the Bible – The ultimate source of truth is God’s Word. While history and journalism can give us facts, the Bible gives us wisdom. It teaches us how to discern, how to respond to conflict, and how to seek peace.
  • Pray for Discernment – Wisdom isn’t just intellectual; it’s also spiritual. Asking God for guidance helps us navigate complex issues with humility and clarity.
📸 Africa

One of the best ways to grow in understanding is by listening to those who have lived these realities. Here is a prompt you can give prompt for a search:

“Provide a list of of reputable memoirs that offer firsthand perspectives on major world issues and conflicts, including wars, genocides, political struggles, and humanitarian crises. Include the author’s name and a brief description of each book.“

Over a decade ago, I began exploring memoirs to deepen my understanding of world issues, history, and geography. I previously shared my reflections in a post titled: A Quest for Knowledge: My Journey to Overcoming Ignorance, highlighting books I was reading at the time. Since then, I have read many more and have several others lined up to explore.

📸 The Middle East

I’ll avoid book suggestions on controversial topics to keep your search unbiased. Instead, use the example prompt example above to find documentaries and memoirs. While we all have biases, firsthand accounts offer a deeper understanding of worlds we may know little about.

At the heart of all deception is something deeper—a spiritual battle. The Bible reminds us that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light:” (2 Corinthians 11:14). Not all that sounds good is true, and not all that is popular is wise. But when we seek truth with humility, when we lean on God for understanding rather than relying solely on human knowledge, we gain clarity.

God’s Majestic Creation

May we be people who seek truth, who listen before we assume, and who use knowledge to bring understanding rather than division. And may we always turn to God’s Word as our foundation, remembering that true wisdom comes from Him.

Thank you for reading!

The Acacia Tree: A Keeper of Sacred Memories

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The Mighty Acacia Tree

The past few months have felt like a walk through memory lane. My husband and I took our annual Christmas holiday trip to Rwanda, my homeland, and it turned out to be more special than I ever imagined. While our visits always include spending time with my siblings and their families, the children and staff of Rising Above the Storms (RAS), and exploring Rwanda’s beauty, this trip held an extraordinary addition—my US parents joined us.

On my wedding day with my parents ♥️ Jan 2019

If you’ve followed my journey on this website, you know I lost my parents in the 1994 Genocide against Tutsi in Rwanda. But “my US parents”? Allow me to explain.

In 2008, shortly before I graduated from grad school in Rochester, NY, I met an incredible couple through a local church connection. They invited me into their home, and while most students they hosted came and went, I stayed. Over time, they unofficially adopted me as their daughter. They gave me the motherly and fatherly love I thought I’d never feel again. Their unconditional love helped heal the wounds inflicted by surviving relatives who had been abusive and heartless.

  • My parents arriving at Kigali International Airport, Rwanda (Jan 2025)
  • Kigali International Airport Arrivals. From left: dad, mom, me and my youngest sister, and my husband (front) taking the selfie

This trip marked my dad’s first visit to Rwanda, and my mom’s second. One highlight was visiting my parents’ land, just outside Kigali. As I stood there, I reflected on how, from the ashes of my deepest losses, God had blessed me with parents who love me fiercely, even if we don’t share the same blood or story.

  • Getting ready for the 30 min ride to my childhood town
  • Giving my new parents a tour. One of the roads around my heavenly parents’ land ♥️
  • Our childhood’s main road—oh, if only it could speak!
  • My childhood’s driveway
  • My childhood’s driveway
  • So many memories
  • My parents’ hard work!
  • My innocent childhood lives here
  • So many memories
  • And so much more

Another special stop on our itinerary was my childhood Catholic Church—a short drive from my parents’ land but, in my childhood memories, a distant hike.

Standing before my childhood parish.
I couldn’t quite recall it ever having this shape!

The moment I stepped onto the parish grounds, a flood of memories overwhelmed me. Standing tall and unchanged was the magnificent acacia tree that had witnessed so much of my family’s life.

Only the two of us, out of four siblings, had the chance to witness this moment. We hope to return together someday, all four of us, to share and compare our memories!

The only photo I possess of my entire family together—taken during my Confirmation—was very near this tree, beneath another acacia tree.

My beloved family, captured during my Catholic Confirmation.
The red cross honors our cherished loved ones now in heaven.

As I stared at its sprawling branches, I couldn’t help but wonder: Does this tree remember my parents? Does it remember me? If only it could speak, I would have lingered longer beneath its shade.

This tree stood as a silent witness while the world around it changed—while neighbors turned into enemies, while innocence was lost. But the acacia remained steadfast, offering shade to churchgoers and a home to nesting birds. In its stillness, it felt like a keeper of memories.

  • The Mighty Acacia Tree
  • The Parish Courtyards
  • With my baby sister ♥️ Guardians of our loved ones’ memories!
  • Under the Acacia Tree. The last time we were here she was a few years old

Stepping inside the church, everything seemed smaller than I could remember. The once-grand sanctuary of my childhood felt humble now, though its spiritual significance had not diminished. I knelt in one of the rows—the one I believed we sat in during sacramental celebrations—and whispered prayers to the Savior my parents had taught me to worship.

Silently, I mourned the loss of my innocence and childhood, reflecting on how I was forced to grow up in a rush, denied the chance to be young. As I reminisced on cherished memories, I marveled at the journey that has brought me back to where it all began.

  • Stepping into the church and absorbing it all after more than 30 years!
  • One of the rows where I believe my parents once sat. The emotions were beyond words!
  • Saying a prayer to honor the memories of my loved ones and worship the God my parents taught me!
  • I shed tears of both sorrow and gratitude, praising the Lord for His protection over the past 30 years and 9 months.
  • Thank you Lord for your Faithfulness!
  • With my parents
  • And with my husband
  • With my baby sister
  • With my hubby

I couldn’t help but marvel at how deeply my parents had rooted us in faith. Amid unimaginable loss and pain, that foundation gave me strength and, eventually, hope.

Lastly, I wanted to see the eucalyptus forest behind the church— somehow a place of peace and meditation in my prayers, often appearing in my nightly dreams. To my disappointment, the trees had been cleared for construction. It felt like a part of my sanctuary had been taken, but the memories remain, vivid and unshaken. It will be interesting to see how my nightly dreams change as a result; this area was one of the reasons I longed to return here.

  • The eucalyptus forest that once stood here is now gone.
  • Now being transformed into a convent.
  • Sunday school hall
  • It was taller in my childhood memories
  • My new family walking my memory lane
  • My baby sister

This church, and the acacia tree in its courtyard, is where my faith began. It is a place of cherished memories, not resentment or guilt. It is a reminder of my extraordinary parents, who continue to guide me even in their absence.

I survived—I made it. I am my parents’ wildest dream and their best wishes fulfilled, their pride, and the voice of my loved ones who perished. I carry their legacy, a beacon of their hopes, resilience, and the enduring love they left behind.

With my baby sister, beneath the tree that holds the cherished memories
of our loved ones, taken from us too soon.

♥️♥️ In loving memory of my parents and two siblings who were taken from us in April 1994. May their memories forever be a blessing!♥️♥️

Indulge Me, World!

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In this tender month of April,
Grant me the moment to entreat.
For within this season’s embrace,
Memories abundantly flow.
A path through trials, battles faced anew,
Life’s tapestry woven, by pain and strength tried.

♦

In ’94, hell engulfed Rwanda,
The land of a thousand hills that once gleamed with light.
Rolling hills and lush green, a paradise’s hymn,
Now veiled in the blood of my kin, a tragic tale.
Silent world, their crime?
Physical features they couldn’t curtail.

♦

I harbor no grudge, my word stands strong,
Bitterness won’t mend the past.
No victim’s stance, I claim my place,
Resilience carries on, a path unmarred.
From the ashes rising, steadfast in my stand,
Forgiveness, not vengeance, a lighter hand.

♦

Three decades on, wounds still tender and raw,
Their memories revered, a pledge of eternal splendor.
Their absence echoes, a void within my heart,
Their journey truncated, a poignant call to persevere.
Allow me, O world, to unveil my story arc,
Of valor, endurance, and transcending the dark.

♦

I vow, no tale of despair shall you find,
Instead, one of strength against fate’s bind.
From shadows, a journey to illuminate,
Survivor by name, warrior within.
Carving purpose from chaos,
A new life to behold, another chance to cherish.

♦

Each trial conceals a lesson’s profound lore,
And within every warrior, hope eternally soars.
In brokenness, faith endures in tranquil sway,
In this April’s remembrance, my heart doesn’t tarry.
Allow me to raise this resounding anthem high,
To honor, to unite, in hope’s enduring embrace.

💓


Paying tribute to my dad, mom, brother, and sister who were taken from me so soon, during the 1994 genocide against Tutsi, in Rwanda (4/7, 4/17, 4/24). 
💓May their memories forever remain a blessing💓

An Important Reminder for Stressful Moments: “Be still, and know that I am GOD” ~ Psalm 46:10

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moi

Posing for a photo shortly before our gala. Sept 2016

It has been a busy few months, or year for that matter. What a journey! Since January of this year, I have traveled to more than 20 US states (many of them first time), dozens of cities, and three European countries (mostly for business), as well as working 50-80 hours a week on average for my full-time job. If that was not enough, add planning, thinking, worrying, coordinating, and struggling to keep up with what it takes to coordinate our very first annual gala, on top of being the founder of a startup nonprofit.

Let me first start telling you a little bit about me: I am a female engineer; I speak English as a third language. I am terrified by asking people for money, even if its sole purpose is to help orphans out of hopelessness and enable them to dream.

I am not eloquent by any means; I am a nervous wreck before speaking to a large audience. I don’t know how to talk to people I just met. A group of strangers terrifies me, even if they are all friendly. I grew up in a third world country and moved here later in life, but certain aspects of the American culture still puzzle me a decade later!

I dislike conflicts; I don’t like it when someone is mad at me! I can’t keep up when humor revolves around the art of slangs, cursing or sarcasm. I have never met anyone in the same situation as me: running a nonprofit with another full time, technical job. Oh, and I have zero talent!

Well by this time, if you are still reading this, you are wondering, “Why is she saying all this?” I have a point, I promise! Now, if you can tie it back to everything I lack or my busy life, you may wonder why anyone like this would want to start a nonprofit. Well, that makes two of us. I have a secret though! This one may make you think over everything that makes you doubt yourself.

My friends and I performing a traditional Rwandan dance at our gala. Sept 2016.

I lost my parents at the age 13. Though I was absolutely alone and left to fend off myself at that young age, I encountered someone who became my hope in trials, my refuge in time of trouble, my comfort in sorrow, my counselor in hopelessness, my provision when no one cared, a father to the orphan, a friend in need. That is Jesus, my Savior and King, my God!

You see, all these things I lack, and many more I didn’t want to bore you with, He’s taken upon Himself. Before God, I am warrior, victorious, loved, a daughter of the Most High. I am able to do everything through Jesus who strengthens me. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what keeps me pressing on in spite of my lack of experience in nonprofit management and many other things in life.

So, circling back to my nonprofit: YES, it was very stressful to combine my schedule and responsibilities as I got pulled in many directions. It still is and I often wonder what I got myself into. However, a constant reminder as I navigated a busy schedule this year has been a reassuring voice telling me to be still and know that God will be glorified as David quoted in Psalm 46:10 NKJV.

This is what kept me calm even when people and promises fell through and schedules didn’t align with our planning needs and requirements. After all, this vision is God’s work; I don’t really need to worry, as long as He is on my side. Obviously, He doesn’t need my skills or experience. All He wants is my obedience!

I have been fortunate enough to understand my life calling, the reason God spared my life from the machetes and bullets of 1994 in Rwanda. I may not accomplish much in this life, but as God has been to me, so I will be to others. Today, I can afford anything I need, and my siblings feel the same way. God has been everything we ever need, up to this very minute as I type this. My prayer and hope is to be God’s hands and feet through loving and being a blessing for those who have not been as fortunate.

Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV) gives me a glimpse of how things will look on the judgement day, when God will impartially judge all the nations. This long chapter is wrapped in the true meaning of LOVE. Also, Paul said it well: although all these three are excellent: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of them is LOVE.

rasgala214

Sharing my story and our vision at our gala. Sept 2016!

Through God’s LOVE that spoke the earth into existence, I hope to spend the rest of my life striving to learn and practice what it means to love everyone unconditionally regardless of who they are or their life choices: race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or ancestry etc.

I am really thankful that our first annual gala was a success, and we are currently almost halfway to our final goal in terms of raising funds for our first learning center in Rwanda to benefit street children and at-risk-youth. God has been great to me, and blessed me with a great team of volunteers who are very passionate about my vision and cause.

Will you join forces with me to share this hope, advocate for orphans, and empower the most vulnerable children through education? I am eternally thankful that the Lord would entrust me with this great mission! I still cannot believe that He picked ME!! Rising Above the Storms (RAS) is not a work I feel burdened to do, it is simply my life story, and a soul that has been truly satisfied & touched by God’s Mercy!