Remembering Bernella McKenzie
Between 1996 and 2004, I would sit by my mom’s side Bernella Mckenzie in the attic where she sows at times and we would have long philosophical conversations, discussions and debate about life, history and society while I was Jamaica Theological Seminary.
Between 2000 and 2003, and 2004, We spent years helping with the Church in Morant Bay St. Thomas, #jamaica Jamaica, when dad was away periodically. One day we were driving back to Hellshire, Portmore, St. Catherine, from church in Morant Bay St. THOMAS #jamaica, late Wednesday night and God spared us from a head-on collision in the Mark II.
In rerospect, as a young boy between 6 and 12, I remember how she would take me and my twin brother Ricardo C. Mckenzie to the library Jamaica Library Service and started us on the “Nancy Drew” and the “Hardy Boys” book series. But I soon became interested in Einstein and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory later on.
Mom and I developed a prayer journal in November 2004 and she and I journalled our prayers daily in a journal book. Between 2004 and 2016, we journalled our prayers about our family, friends, neighborhood, political leaders and the church Washington Park Ncog Jamaica Evangelistic Centre. In the preface of her Prayer Journal Mom wrote (in cursive)
“Let us #Pray”
Jesus commands that we pray without ceasing.
As we lay our heads down tonight, we pray for protection and for sweet dreams and visions,” (Rev. Bernella McKenzie, November 10, 2004).
And twenty years ago this month in December, Mom journalled:
“Special prayer for my husband, God knows everything about him,” (BAM, 12.2004).
Mother was born in the “silent generation” and is a strong woman of faith who was kind, gentle, strong willed, conservative Christian and the cardinal professional; but also a “prayer warrior” and intercessor who like “Daniel” prayed earnestly with God for protection, preservation of family and community and those who thought of her as the “enemy”.
She rose above the challenges of her time and carved out a solid future for her children Janice Mckenzie Paul Mckenzie Jean Mck-Tay Lenworth Mckenzie #Ricardo and Renaldo C. Mckenzie and grandchildren… relying on her faith with such tenacity and without apology. She was at times misunderstood for she was always in the background working for the good of everyone. She always says I’m sorry after reconsidering a position and adopted a discipline involving kneeling and praying in the corners of the house.
Love you mom. Continue to advocate for us!
Your last Son,
Renaldo McKenzie