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What I Believe

I believe God is so incredibly strong and mighty,
Yet, as Jesus, I gave him residence in my heart
In form as the Holy Spirit, they are the Almighty.

Believing they live in me, we are never apart
Best I can, I follow Jesus’ example, asking WWJD
In all my words and deeds, he is at the start.

Because I so often fail to measure up, it’s true,
I constantly seek pardon, for I know His grace,
And I believe his Word, having read it through.

The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12, I embrace:
Treating others as I want them to treat me,
Since I frequently fail, Jesus stands in my place.

My indestructible faith will always keep me free,
Until with God and loved ones I shall forever be. 

Written December 7, 2022
Submitted to "What I Believe" Poetry Contest
Sponsored by Angela Tune

Copyright © L Milton Hankins | Year Posted 2022

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Reason A. Poteet Date: 12/30/2022 3:22:00 AM Fine tribute to a well-loved poet and believer here at Poetry Soup. May his influence be felt for many year, by many readers, at God's good pleasure. Thank you, L. Milton. Login to Reply

Regina Mcintosh Date: 12/30/2022 1:00:00 AM My thoughts are with the family, who are sure to be feeling this loss so deeply. I know that this writer’s poetry and feelings, so eloquently spoken here, will bring those who read his writings peace and encouragement – as his words often did. He will surely be missed – his poems, his comments, his inspirations. We now hold memories of a poet who brought us kindness with sweet embraces from his poetic creations. Thank GOD He knew the One who saves and went home to be with Him forever. Login to Reply

Kim Rodrigues Date: 12/29/2022 2:40:00 PM He didn’t know it would be soon after this post. A worthy tribute. Milton’s now in the arms of Jesus! Login to Reply

Len Gasun Date: 12/29/2022 3:16:00 AM A very beautiful poem in testimony of your strong faith my dear friend LM. Congratulations on your shining win and this excellent write! So sad that you left us. We'll miss you a lot here. May you Rest in Peace in the loving hand of our Almighty God my dear friend. Thanks for sharing your exeptional talent, poetry, your kindness, support and everything. Hugs Login to Reply

Unseeking Seeker Date: 12/28/2022 10:55:00 PM Amen ~ RIP Milt. Here’s one for you ~ https://www.poetrysoup.com/poem/milt_1512918 Login to Reply

Joanna Daniel Date: 12/28/2022 10:02:00 PM Your faith shines in this poem, Milt, congratulations, the last couplet is true now... Will miss you Login to Reply

I Am Anaya Date: 12/28/2022 6:09:00 PM "Until with God and loved ones I shall forever be." Milt played the organ at his church, he used to play "I don't know how to love him" Milton: "One of my favorites from JS,S. I have played this hundreds of times, even as a prelude for church services. No one ever criticized it. It is a gorgeous melody! I have always included it in recitals, too." Congratulations Milt on your first-place win! Login to Reply

Speaks Volumes Date: 12/28/2022 5:34:00 PM No need to capitalize now Milt, l am sure that you are on first name terms with Him by now (and all the angels) Rest in His gentle love. Kudos to you Angela, for your award of the one and only supreme place in your contest. Login to Reply

Andrea Dietrich Date: 12/28/2022 4:20:00 PM So sad to hear this very day that you have left our midst, milt. A final Congrats to you on your last First place win here at Soup (unless there are unjudged contests which will be showing you soon as a winner. I sure hope that is true.) You tried your best to live as God wanted you to. Rest in Peace, my Kentucky friend Milt. Login to Reply

John Watt Date: 12/28/2022 12:42:00 PM Humility and faith are a powerful combination. Bless you for writing so passionately of your deepest convictions, Milt. May God bless you with eternal peace and rest. Login to Reply

Constance La France Date: 12/28/2022 12:41:00 PM Milt, you never failed, and God Knew that. You were such a kind man and when you knocked on Heaven's gate it opened wide and you flew in. You are at peace now, and those of us who were blessed to know you are filled with sadness. I will miss you forever Milt, thank you for the help with my poetry and all your supportive words dear poetic friend, and I hope you are looking at your win from Heaven. Constance Login to Reply

Suzette Richards Date: 12/28/2022 12:35:00 PM I find the closing couplet very moving, especially since Milt has passed on not many days after he wrote this fine testimony to his strong faith. He is now free in the truest sense of the word. RIP, Milt. Login to Reply

Paula Goldsmith Date: 12/28/2022 11:38:00 AM Congratulations it is "Beautiful." A true winner in life and in death. Now write in peace................ Login to Reply

Suzanne Delaney Date: 12/28/2022 10:07:00 AM You are with God now, Milton: Rest in eternal peace. SuZ Login to Reply

Caren Krutsinger Date: 12/10/2022 4:34:00 AM "In all my words and deeds, he is at the start." Love this line - but I think He needs to be capitalized. Login to Reply L Milton Hankins Date: 12/10/2022 8:16:00 AM Thanks, Caren. I wasn't sure about the capitalization. I never know when to capitalize pronouns, so I generally don't. If I capitalize "he," do I also capitalize "his?"