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Bennon & Eli
Bennon Hodges is the middle school
pastor at Crossgates Baptist Church.
Son Eli will be three years old “on
June” as he says. Bennon and his
wife Caroline also have a daughter
named Lydia who is almost three
months old. The Hodges family has
made Rankin County their home
since 2013, the year they graduated
from Mississippi College and were
married.
Bennon
What is something you admire about
your son?
I admire that Eli wants to figure out how things
work, and how to do things the right way. He is
also affectionate and protective of his new baby
sister, and one day I desire for him to use these
traits to lead his own family.
What is something you really enjoy doing
with your son?
I really enjoy teaching him how to do new things.
As he grows into a man, my desire is that Eli will
be well-versed, courageous, and adventurous.
Is there anything your father said to
you growing up that you find yourself
repeating to your son?
“Don’t stop working until everyone is done
working.” One thing my dad has passed down to
me is a strong work ethic. I’ve found myself
already telling my three year old these words
when we’ve been working outside together.
Do you have a favorite or particularly
memorable Father’s Day gift?
I first became a father five days before Father’s
Day in 2017. I’d have to say, Eli’s birth has been
the best Father’s Day gift I’ve ever received,
for sure.
Is there a story or particular meaning
behind the “fun” socks you chose for the
photoshoot?
As Eli has gotten older, he has begun to enjoy
superheroes almost as much as I did growing up.
Naturally, doing all things superheroes has been
something for us to bond over and a way to
spend time together. I also love being able to
use superheroes as teaching points. Though they
are fictional, the qualities that they represent are
elements that I believe build a great man, such as
sacrifice, humility, leadership, and courage.
Captain America is a favorite of both of ours
because he never gives up, he is the leader, and his
shield is pretty cool, too.
How are you and your son alike?
How are you different?
Eli tends to like repetitive work or play, and that
is certainly not a trait of mine. He also doesn’t
like being in front of people, whereas I thrive in
front of an audience. I think that Eli and I are
the same in the fact that we both like things to be
in order, are process-oriented, and we both like
sleeping a lot. Neither of us like being alone, and
we love having the most fun possible with the
people around us.
Eli
What is something you admire about
your dad?
His nose! And his ears. And his jokes!
What is something you really enjoy
doing with your dad?
I love when Daddy plays with me, when we build
towers. That makes me happy.
What’s the best advice your dad has
ever given you?
My daddy tells me to obey, because it’s right.
It makes God’s heart happy!
Is there a story or particular meaning
behind the “fun” socks you chose for the
photoshoot?
We love Captain. Captain is real, real strong,
like my daddy! I like his suit and his shield, and
he fights to protect his friends. He throws his
shield if there’s a bad guy!
How are you and your dad alike?
How are you different?
We both like Alabama, shows, movies, and
superheroes. I play more than my daddy does.
He goes to work at the church.
Hometown RANKIN • 39