Dr L Milton Hankins

Milton was a person you couldn't help but like. Almost every time I wrote a Triolet He'd stop by and visit and once said, "You know how I love the triolets!" A gentle soul, shared gentle words of praise. He will be deeply missed. A Triolet I've written for Milton. Heavenly rainbows dance upon your heart, Clusters of white roses, slightly fragrant Fuse there; a love story to never part. Heavenly rainbows dance upon your heart, Rest on a golden beach, watch birds vagrant, Fall in love, listen to the music start. Heavenly rainbows dance upon your heart, Clusters of white roses slightly fragrant. 12/31/2022 In Honor Of Milt - An Un-Contest Poetry Contest Sponsored by: Andrea Dietrich ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Quote from Facebook by: Timothy Dixon December 29 2022 I needed time before I made this post. Two successive posts that break my heart. I learned today of the passing of The Rev. Dr. L Milton Hankins. I was his pastor. He was my friend. He was a former pastor. He was an accomplished theologian, pianist, and Christian Apologist. Four years ago I kissed his wife Deb on the forehead just before she passed. In his later years Milt had grown disenchanted with the church. As a defender of the faith, he had become quite the challenger to faith institutions. He had earned his Phd. by doing his thesis in “The Inheritance of Original Sin.” In our last lunch together, just three weeks ago, he gifted that thesis to me, stating “ I truly believe you are the only one that will appreciate this.” I cherish it today. Milt had given me a hand carved communion set made of olive wood from Israel. I use it during Holy Week every year. Milt was a scholar and expert on presidential history, and had recently given me treasurers from his all time favorite President, President Obama. Our most recent deep discussions were on the “Eternal Virginity” of Mary the Mother of Jesus. He was my mentor in so many different ways. He once told me he had become an atheist, just to spark my passionate response. To which his wife Deb replied, “he’s just pulling your chain Tim.” The day he died, we dropped a fruit basket off to him and messaged him to not leave it long on the porch. Little did I know. This week, Robbie and I have lost three people in our lives. My faith in Christ has never been stronger. I’m more determined today than I’ve ever been. Godspeed my friend. Have a safe journey home. I’ll miss our Bob Evans conversations. See ya soon buddy. ??