If you keep up with the “Kingdom corner” of the web, then you’ve heard of Da’Naia Jackson. A minister, entrepreneur, author, and coach—but most recognizable as the ex-wife of online “relationship guru,” Derrick Jaxn.
Da’Naia Jackson is in the limelight again after a beautiful, powerful two-part interview on the Dear Future Wifey podcast by Laterras Whitfield. The recent interview tells her story of triumph and is bringing healing to women all over the world who have endured trauma in relationships.
For context, Da’Naia Jackson came into unexpected popularity as a trending topic in 2021 after her husband, who has millions of followers that digest his relationship advice, was publicly named by one his mistresses. A viral video released of Derrick Jaxn confessing to his infidelity with Da’Naia by his side.
The Video That Went Around the Web
Gossip blogs, and of course, twitter—went haywire dragging Da’Naia Jackson through the mud. They clowned and picked apart her appearance for getting on camera with a “bonnet,” and how she sat awkwardly next to her husband as he admitted to millions that he cheated on her and they were going to work through the marriage.
She became a subject of mockery and public scrutiny. Predominantly by other black women and the media outlets that typically cater to them, might I add. Finding solace in the word of God and Jesus Christ, she began boldly posting about her faith—choosing to go the route of spiritual warfare to fight for her future.
Internet Bullying and Gossip
But after the viral video, her Instagram became an attraction as thousands flocked to her page to harass and bully—claiming she was crazy, mentally ill, and “hiding behind religion.” Not to mention the memes suggesting Da’Naia was indoctrinated. The ordeal became comedy for onlookers and even a Halloween costume.
It reminds of John 8:1-11. A woman was caught in adultery and the community sought to stone her to death. But oddly, not the man who was also a party. The only difference is that Da’Naia was a faithful, but hurting woman and the stones were still thrown.
Soon, Derrick Jaxn himself requested a divorce despite Da’Naia’s public faithfulness to God and the process. This added fuel to the gossip fires, but God always has the final say.
The Internet Owes Da’Naia an Apology
Da’Naia had been persecuted online to the point that she was dehumanized. That is, until her two-part interview on the Dear Future Wifey Podcast with Laterras Whitfield aired on May 24, 2023.
She candidly shares how she endured years of emotional abuse, trauma, and had been cheated on continuously by “nearly 100 women” from the onset of the relationship.
She describes being a rape victim and a traumatized woman who accepted what she didn’t deserve. But because of God she is a woman healed (and still being healed) by the power of the Holy Spirit.
“I started journaling to the Holy Spirit and giving Him all the details,” she says. “And this is where the Lord began to speak to me like ‘Hey, you need to write out all these things that you’ve seen that you’ve been trying to tell [therapists and others]…but they can’t take the pain that is in your soul…”
In part two, Da’Naia also reveals that while the internet was dragging her over the viral “bonnet” video, she was in great pain and attempting to support her then-husband.
It turns out it was her first time on camera, she had just discovered she was pregnant in the midst of a public infidelity scandal, and had just gotten back from a funeral. Needless to say, Da’Naia was going through a lot as the public mocked her situation.
“…I would have killed myself had this happened…like three, four years ago. I literally—and I don’t say that loosely. I do not say that loosely. Like I really mean that. And there was a couple of attempts in the past. So, I wouldn’t have been able to survive it if not had been for God…”
She narrates:
“My whole life is a living testimony. When I say that I’m healed, He literally reached in and pulled some things out of me…”
God Specializes in Redemption
It’s hard not to well up with tears at God’s redemptive power. He is indeed a Lifter—a God of purpose and timing. Joseph, David, and Gideon? Each rejected, but lifted. Sarah? Forgotten, then remembered. Ruth? Widowed, then royally wed. JESUS? Despised, but now the Chief Cornerstone!
This season of upliftment for Da’Naia Jackson is inspiring to witness. It’s not just because she is a beacon for other women who have been traumatized and shamed into silence. It’s because of her life’s parallels with the suffering seen in the life of Christ.
Like Da’Naia, Jesus was scorned and ridiculed at His lowest and most vulnerable moment. Right there on the cross—a crowd mocked and jeered at His pain. He was publicly humiliated as a crown of thorns were placed around His head. The masses deemed a criminal named Barrabas as more fitting to be released than One preparing to bear all their iniquities upon His body.
Jesus Christ endured physical torment, emotional trauma, and spiritual agony. And the Bible reminds us that suffering is part of the journey with God:
“The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.” Romans 8:16-17
Glory to God for letting the world witness an example of His grace being sufficient during suffering, and the lifting that comes with enlargement. Being conformed to Christ is a rough process, but also the greatest privilege. People will hate believers as they hated Jesus, but there’s always a reward in the end.
The internet owes Da’Naia Jackson an apology. She will probably never get it. But if you’ve seen her now, you should thank God for her.
