BOOK BUZZ: Pastor Bridget Hilliard Thanks Jennifer Hudson for 'Inspiring' Book
Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:37AM 
After surviving the devastating murder of her family and bouncing back through her strong faith in God, Jennifer Hudson's new book, I Got This, has moved Bridget Hilliard, co-founder of New Light Christian Center Church with her husband, Bishop I.V. Hilliard.
She appreciate Hudson's 'honesty' and encouraged other women to 'buy' and 'read' I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.
Bridget Hilliard, whom CeCe Winans calls one of her mentors, tweeted:
Finished 'I Got This' by @IAMJHUD such an inspiring book.Every Winning Woman buy it & read it. Thanks @IAMJHUD for your openness & honesty
In an interview on NBC's TODAY Show Monday, when asked how handled the October 2008 murders of her mother, brother, and nephew at the hands of her brother-in-law William Baflour, Jennifer Hudson said, "Definitely it's my faith in God and growing up -- my mother, even though she's not here now, she trained us well."
In case you missed the interview, it is posted below.
Good for her.
Reader Comments (17)
I would usually have a problem with coverage of a secular artist on a Christian website but her experience is inspiring.
@Keisha People kill me like we can't EVER talk about anything other than Jesus. NEWS FLASH: There are people saved AND unsaved who have valuable information to offer. Thank you EEW for seeing that! Ugh!
First off let me just say how much I pray for Jennifer Hudson. The girl has been through hell and back and it is a miracle that her mind has not snapped by now! Second of all, she personally speaks openly about her faith in God so I don't view her among the "unsaved." I know she is not perfect but she is a woman of faith and true beauty. Keep your head up and keep doing ur thing JHUD! Ignore the haters.
@Trinitee I am entitled to my own opinion. But before we go and champion Jennifer Hudson as the official mascot for Jesus let's not forget that she and her fiance live together. Does THAT exemplify Christ? I don't think so.
It never ceases to amaze me how ugly and judgmental Christians can be towards other folks. Some people CONSTANTLY find away to turn positives into negatives. Quite frankly I am happy to see the EEW editors covering this. I am in the middle of reading Ms. Hudson's book and I agree with pastor Bridget that it is a very inspiring and must-read book!
EEW readers crack me up! Some of you all are a trip. So close-minded and self-righteous. So many of the very people who read this website are going to be shocked and amazed at the pearly gates when Jesus says I never knew you. smh
Wow! I'm almost scared to comment. lol Can we kiss and make up everybody. We ARE saved aren't we? Be nice!
I'm gonna say this and then I'll be done because I don't fight on websites. I don't have THAT to do! Jennifer Hudson transcends whatever our religious dogma is. She unites us all through understanding of what it means to hurt, lose loved ones, and bounce back from adversity. Especially those of us who believe in God as she does, know and understand the power of faith to help us overcome insurmountable odds. Kudos to JHUD for thriving after tragedy. I"m praying for her continual wholeness and healing. #Done
Beautiful and well said @Geraldine!
I'm reading this comment thread and think yikes! And we wonder why some people don't want to come to church. We've got to do better.
I am a fan of Jennifer Hudson and it's not for what you might thing. I have never really been into her music, but seeing her take charge of her life and keep on living after all she dealt with and survived, I celebrate her. She is a beautiful black woman of faith who should be commended. Let's stop the hatred.
I see JHUD kind of like I see Mary J. Blige. It's hard to hate on these women because they overcame so much adversity and they are inspiring, uplifting figures.
Pastor Bridget is right. The book is AWESOME!
Ok... sigh... here's a (likely accurate) breakdown:
1. I think the newsworthy angle of this story for this site is Hillard's comment about JHud's book. BTW, reading in general should be celebrated; the mind (and the spirit) are terrible things to waste.
2. It's acceptable for Hillard to share her kind words about a book she read, and to do so publicly. Although it would have even been more classy to send JHud a private note (as well).
3. Hillard's public declaration opens the door for both of them to cultivate a "business" relationship. I mean, JHud does have some gospel/church roots and since her R&B career hasn't quite peaked (even w/an Academy Award), it's possible for JHud to gain some popularity through some gospel/inspirational R&B music and tag on some "motivational speaking" in between....
So when you hear about JHud singing and/or speaking at New Light in the future, don't be surprised! You heard it here first! :-)
@Treasure I am laughing at your obvious annoyance and applauding because you are spot on! I just commented to say you are right on! #NuffSaid
Jennifer's experience is tragic! I cannot imagine my family being brutally murdered by the hands of a "family member". However, if she believes her "faith in God" has sustained her through the terrible experiences then her "life actions" should follow. Giving credit to God but not pursuing a "righteous life" in the sight of God is in-congruent.
Everyone is happy that she is still standing and lost weight but I'm inclined to believe that she is not happy and will not be at "peace" until she totally submits her life to Christ, walk away from the world's false love, and seek the WILL OF GOD for the rest of her life.
Peace & Graceā„
i agree with Mariah and Keisha. We as Christians too often make excuses for people. SURE it's inspiring to see people overcome hardships but this woman is clearly not living a godly lifestyle and I've never seen her as a christian. She's more traditional. Anyways, the problem with covering secular media is that when someone who is looking for a direction towards christ and they see Christians even glorifying secular artist and celebrities it sends a mixed message. how about more articles about christian celebrities and NORMAL PEOPLE.