A tribute from a Son to a Mother: Excerpt of The Funeral service for Bernella Mckenzie

This is an excerpt of the Funeral service for the late Rev. Bernella McKenzie. In this excerpt we share Rev. Renaldo McKenzie message, a tribute in memory of his mother Bernella Mckenzie entitled: Tribute From A son to a Mother A. Mommy's Faith and Prayer Life Mommy was a woman of deep prayer, unwavering faith, and extraordinary grace. She devoted countless hours to praying and interceding earnestly for her family, church, Jamaica, and the world. Her commitment to prayer was steadfast, as she believed in the biblical command to "pray without ceasing." She kept a prayer journal, where she noted her prayers and the answers she received. Her entries were often brief yet profound. Mommy prayed for protection, sweet dreams, and visions; for blessings and unity within her extended family, both in Jamaica and abroad; and for her relatives and in-laws, including Cecil. In 2004, she wrote in her journal about praying for all her children to fully turn to God, and she joyfully recorded, "My grandson Sheldon was baptized and is doing well." That same year, she fervently prayed for Sheryl Small's healing from cancer. In 2011, she noted with gratitude, "She's healed and still doing well." Mommy's life was defined by her devout Christian faith. Her prayers reflected her love for God and her unwavering trust in His promises. She was a beacon of faith, an intercessor for many, and a testament to the power of a life lived in communion with God. In Mommy's final moments, I was blessed to be with her. She had waited for me because she knew how much I regretted missing our dad's passing and how deeply I wanted to be there. On Saturday night, I arrived to find her unable to speak, a mask over her nose as she labored to breathe. She could only utter faint sounds, saying "hee." I began to sing, and Ricky joined me. Together, we sang Arise and Be Healed, pouring our hearts into the melody. Then, I prayed for several minutes. As I prayed, she began to cry and joined me in prayer. Speaking in tongues, I felt the Holy Spirit move, and suddenly, she removed the mask and began to speak in tongues herself. She waved her hands and, with remarkable clarity, said, "Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit." Those were her last words. She then went quiet, as though ready to give up the ghost. That night, I returned to her home—our family’s childhood home—and slept in her bedroom. Around 4 a.m., she visited me in a dream. She came to say goodbye and to encourage me to be strong and of good health. When I woke, I knew she was gone. Mommy never gave up. Even at the very end, her faith remained unshaken. Her love for God and those she left behind shone brightly in her final moments. Her life was a testament to the power of faith and the enduring presence of God’s spirit. B. The Power of Prayer and Self-Reflection It is my mother’s life of prayer, faith, and self-reflection that has profoundly shaped my understanding of the transformative power of prayer and introspection. When we pray, let us pray without sitting; when we dream, let us dream without sleeping. Believe and have faith, but stay away from naysayers. Prayer sharpens our focus, helping us acknowledge our limitations while embracing God’s favor and the limitless possibilities He offers. It connects us with the divine—beyond and within—and aligns us with the cosmos and the cognitive. The Bible reminds us, “Men ought always to pray and never faint.” My mother embodied this verse in her daily life, just as Daniel did when he prayed and overcame the lions’ den. What is your den? Prayer has the power to change things. My mother’s life is a testament to this truth. Her prayers, faith, and self-reflection have not only shaped her journey but also continue to inspire mine. By Rev. Renaldo McKenzie President of the Neoliberal Corporation and Creator of The Neoliberal Round. Author of "Neoliberalism, Globalization, Income Inequality, Poverty and Resistance." Subscribe https://anchor.fm/theneoliberal