As a teenager, one of my favorite things was sleeping in the same bed as my grandmother. She had the softest brown skin, the coziest warm feet, and a scent that was pure comfort. My grandma was a stunner with legs for days, and I’m pretty sure we inherited her tiny feet. But beyond her looks, she was a prayer warrior—always sending up petitions like she had God on speed dial.

One unforgettable Saturday morning, around 12 am, I got a call from my teenage boyfriend. We were both in Grade 12 and using Vodacom, which meant we had 60 glorious minutes of free talk time from midnight to 5 am. Naturally, we stretched it to two hours. Now, you might be thinking, “Seriously? Talking to your boyfriend while your grandma is right there?!” Well, let me explain. We spoke in English because my grandma didn’t understand it, and in my teenage wisdom, I was convinced she was fast asleep.

Fast forward to the next morning, and I wake up to my grandmother passionately praying against what she thought was a demon tormenting me at night. Yep, she thought I was conversing with an evil spirit. Back then, phone speakers were horrible, you would peak in anyone’s conversation, and speaking in English didn’t help either. She was there, intensely asking for this “demon” to leave me alone. Eventually, that “demon” did leave. He found a girl who was the opposite of me. High school can be brutal, but our breakup was surprisingly clean and drama-free. Coincidence? I think not.

These days, people crave being the talk of the town, trending on social media, or mingling with the wealthy and influential. They’ll bend over backward to fit into popular circles, all for recognition, but it’s a never-ending chase that leaves them empty like a politician’s promise.

I’ve learned that when someone prays for you, it’s the ultimate act of love. They take precious time to bring your name before God, setting aside their own needs to ask for your protection. If you have someone who prays for you, consider yourself blessed. Walk like royalty, knowing that you’re backed by heavenly forces.