Definition: A principal female singer in an opera or concert organization; or a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team.
Scriptures: Judges 4:4-5Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.
Proverbs 31:10-12A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
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Definition: A principal female singer in an opera or concert organization; or a vain or undisciplined person who finds it difficult to work under direction or as part of a team.
Scriptures: Judges 4:4-5Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided.
Proverbs 31:10-12A wife of noble character, who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
THOUGHT
The word diva was a Latin term that was originally used to describe a woman of the opera who had exceptional talent. It was a compliment that was one of honor and esteem because she had obviously been blessed with a voice that was “divine or godlike”.
Biblically, Diva was used to describe women who have a close relationship to the divine aspects of their faith. Women like Deborah referred to in the scripture above often held positions of authority where spiritual insight, wisdom and honor were required characteristics. Deborah, who was a prophetess and judge was respected by everyone for her wisdom and judgement. Under her judgeship Israel was at rest from war for 40 years. This fact is quite notable since throughout its history Israel has been in a perpetual state of either going to war, being engaged in war or being delivered from the captivity of war. Deborah was a real Diva.
Because of the change of societal interpretation most people use the word Diva as though being a Diva is negative. Why? In a society, where it is preferred, that woman be submissive and subservient, when a woman displays confidence and authority, she will be perceived negatively. In this environment when a woman who exhibits the same “Blessed Assurance” as a man, instead of being recognized as a woman that has been blessed by God, that woman is most likely to be criticized as “thinking of herself more highly than she ought” and labeled a Diva.
On February 7, 2024, the Central Florida community experienced the loss of a woman that many have called a Diva.My friend, Miss Jacqueline Jones (Ermlick) had been in the music industry since the days of her youth. She has performed all over the world, with a plethora of musicians in good, bad, and dangerous situations. She was a professional entertainer.
Local musicians and artists who have had the opportunity and pleasure of working with her, knew that she always came to rehearsal or a performance prepared, with charts in hand, keys in mind and audience entertainment as her objective. Her attitude demanded that when you played for her, her objectives become yours. She was a Diva.
In her imperfection Miss Jones was also a woman of deep and unwavering faith. It was her drive to honor God that made her strive for perfection in her life and in her performances. She was always well groomed, confident and disciplined. She took responsibility for the outcome of her performance. For those who wanted her to do things “their way” she demanded that “Her way was the only way”. because Her way was God’s way. In their ignorance they failed to understand what God demands a Diva to be.
Even while suffering Jackie brought joy to people. While receiving treatment for cancer she would often break out in an impromptu concert as she flashed that “full set of teeth” smile of hers. Even during her final days, she managed to gracefully smile as she endured pain that was so strong that dilaudid, morphine nor fentanyl could give her relief. Miss Jones prevailed despite criticism, poor health, lack of money and the loss of many that she loved. But she continued to allow the light of God’s love to shire brightly through her in every note she sang, every musician she encouraged and every life she touched with Gods’ message of love, peace, joy and hope.
To the Diva Miss Jackie Jones I say “Bye, Bye for Now” … which was her way saying, “I hope to see you soon”.