As I write this on Saturday morning I am still reeling from the news of the murders of American Idol star and Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother in Chicago yesterday. The news is particularly saddening to us at GUIDEPOSTS as Jennifer is our cover story in the current issue.
Who could have imagined such a tragedy earlier this fall when we photographed and interviewed Jennifer in her hometown of Chicago? She was a wonderful person to work with—upbeat, energized, exciting and surprisingly even-keeled for someone to whom success and fame had come so young. She spoke movingly of her extraordinarily close relationship with her family and that is what we focused her story on, as you will learn when you read it. Her family nurtured her great talents and sustained her during difficult times. It is almost inconceivable to imagine the burden she is now carrying. In the aftermath of the double murder her seven-year-old nephew Julian King is missing.
We know that Jennifer is a woman of great faith and what she needs now most is our prayers. Post yours below and we’ll be sure to pass them on.
Tues. 10/28
My message to Jennifer:
I am devastated to learn of the news I dreaded when I wrote this blog—the loss of your young nephew, Julian, in the wake of the deaths of your mother and brother. There is no greater tragedy than the loss of a child. When I was just about Julian’s age my older brother, Bobby, 12, disappeared and after a long, heartbreaking police seach his body was eventually found. The event changed my family forever but scars do heal, with time, faith and prayer. Nothing sustained my family more than being lifted in prayer by others. Be assured that for everyone who has posted a prayer here on our site, there are thousands more praying for and with you.—Edward
Edward Grinnan is Editor-in-Chief and Vice President of GUIDEPOSTS Publications.
