I met Raymond (and his beautiful wife, Mercy) through a good friend of mine, Chkwna. Upon learning about this project, Chkwna immediately reached out to me and said, “You need to photograph Raymond and hear his story!” She and I have such close bond so I knew that she wouldn’t steer me wrong (haha). I contacted Raymond and we scheduled his session. My friend, China and I drove 2.5 hours to Richmond, Virginia so that I could take his pictures and hear his story. Interacting with Raymond and Mercy felt familiar, like we had known each other for a while. They are such a beautiful and humble couple. Everyone has a testimony as we all have experienced different walks of life. Please enjoy the story from our next “Unspoken King,” Mr. Raymond Hudson.

Mahalia Jackson is known for her famous song that resonates with me often….

“How I got over

How did I make it over?

You know my soul look back and wonder

How did I make it over?”

My life really should have ended up another way, but God’s grace and mercy saw fit to bless my life beyond measure undeservingly.

I am a native of Richmond, Virginia. Most of my childhood I was raised primarily by my single mother with my brother. There was a lot I did not have but also so much that I did. My family was a very close-knit family and was such a strong support system for my mom, brother and I. I did not grow up with a present father in the household and would see him occasionally every other year or so. That absence certainly had its effects and challenges on me at such a vital age period of my life. A lot of life’s tough and vital lessons -I learned the very hard way (or not at all) until much later. My mom did everything she could. She was strong and always there for us. My mother was an incredible single mother. I was still so very blessed to have such great men and examples in my life from my family. My grandfather and three uncles were great men who helped raised me. My uncles had sleepovers and cookouts so I was close to my cousins. They took us to the state fairs, movies, rides in their pickup trucks, annual weekly summer stays and vacations, Kung Fu classes, pizza & game nights. We had so many more great memories. I learned so much from my Uncles and they filled in the void I had in my life. I love and appreciate them even now.

My grandfather, the beloved “Deacon Hudson” was a God-fearing man who loved God, his entire family, the church, and the community. My grandfather had a very hard life and was uneducated at a sixth grade level from rural South Carolina. Although I heard stories and knew what my grandfather went through, I could not tell it by how he turned out. He taught me how to swim, took me school shopping, consistently took me to church. He also taught me how to tie a tie, how to take my suit to the cleaners, and so much more. He was a man respected, literally, by everyone and believed in always helping. My grandfather could not read, so in elementary school I would read him his bills and write his checks and learned how to balance the checkbook at his verbal direction. He would stay on me about being consistent and faithful to what I am assigned to and to always give my best. He was a perfectionist and it rubbed off of me for sure.

My mom remarried when I was around 12 years old and had my two sisters, so life changed drastically for my brother and myself. A lot transpired from that time on, and my grandmother took me in her home when I was around 15. In my sleep, I would feel her hands on my head and hear her whispering a prayer. She would anoint my head with oil and lay hands on me every morning before I went to school along with my sausage or bacon biscuit. I absolutely hated breakfast, but she said I had no choice. I went to a college-prep high school in the inner city of Richmond with a vigorous curriculum. While living with my grandmother, I made straight A’s. I gained confidence, worked at a law firm during the summers, took the bus downtown to get my haircuts on my own, used her to car to drive and pick her up from work, cut the grass and helped with her garden. Additionally, I cooked meals and helped out around the house, and much more. She was so proud of me and communicated that to me all the time. I used to feel uncomfortable to hear all that “mushy stuff” as I called it. She taught me how to accept it and be appreciative. She told me to always hold my head up and look at people when talking and never look down. I went to church with her, and we prayed in her room many nights- or just sat in the living room talking until she fell asleep in her chair. I later realized that there was a lot she felt she did not do with her children that affected her, and she was given a second chance.

I went to George Mason University in 2001, thrived, came out successful and had the best years of my life! My high school sweetheart (and now wife) also came to GMU, so we spent our years together. We married shortly after we both graduated at ages 23 and 22 as we had been dating for 6 years. I was afraid of being a husband, let alone a father, because I felt like I did not grow up with that traditional family structure. Although not traditional, I honestly had all the love and examples I needed all around me. We had our first son, then our second son, then our THIRD son! I looked up and I had 3 boys to raise! I was absolutely terrified and told God “I have NO idea what I’m doing.” I did not have a dad who put me in football, basketball, etc. As a matter of fact I was 6’5 in middle school and sucked at sports. I was ashamed at the lack of experience. I asked God “are you sure you got the right one?” That’s when I decided that I would totally depend on God and let him teach me how to be the BEST father. After all, he was the greatest example of a Father in my life. I made up in my mind that it was not about me or my experiences or knowledge. I knew that I had to stretch myself beyond all limits and go into unfamiliar territory for the sake of my boys. They have done and experienced everything that I never had and I love it! They are such awesome boys and I look at them every single day so proud and filled with pride! I’m STILL learning and careful at every step, even so now, as they go into pre-teen and teenage years, which is very vital. I’m transparent with them and teach them what I had to learn the hard way on my own. They can ask questions, seek advice and wisdom from me. Even when I don’t know or can’t relate, I pray and ask God and He always comes through.

Here I am now so blessed with a beautiful home, a gorgeous wife, three handsome and brilliant boys and a baby on the way. My wife and I are educated with our Master degrees, have great careers and are financially, spiritually, and mentally blessed and whole. I do not take any of this lightly and it’s because of the seeds and prayers of my family.

It's amazing how so many experiences and people can literally shape you and your life; whether good or bad. However, we must always know that it is ALL working out for our good. Romans 8:28 states “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Also Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” These are scriptures I live by and hold true to my life. I am honored and humbled to be highlighted and even considered as an Unspoken King. It’s all because I know who I ultimately serve, the King of Kings. . In everything I do and am, I am glorifying God for all HE has done and dedicated my life to it.

Introducing Raymond Hudson