*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. Michael Yowell- “I love you.” The world is complicated. Evil and love mix on the inside and outside of every person. Michael Yowell was no different. Though he was a confessed killer, Yowell spent his final moments telling his children that he loved them. Who are we to say that the love of a killer isn’t just as salvific as the love... Read more
*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. Arturo Diaz- “I have no hate for you.” Are there people out there that you simply can’t stand? Do you think you could keep from hating someone who was actively trying to kill you? In the midst of a room full of his executioners, Arturo Diaz declared, “I have no hate for you.” What would it look like to live your life... Read more
If the wages of sin is death, then Manuel Vasquez deserves to die over and over. A member of the Texas Mexican Mafia, Vasquez strangled Juanita Ybarra to death with a telephone chord over illegal unpaid drug taxes. One prior conviction involved the beating of a man who died after his body was set on fire. During the sentencing phase of his trial, prosecutors provided evidence that Vasquez was involved in at least two other murders. To make it plain,... Read more
Good afternoon. My name is Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood. I am standing right outside of the Governors office here in Texas. We just dropped off a faith leader sign on letter with over 550 signatures of Texas faith leaders…who are committed to abolishing the death penalty. I am so proud to be standing with people who are willing to put their careers, their livelihoods, their wellbeings on the line for this cause. I ask that other faith leaders not... Read more
*Words Delivered at Hope for Peace & Justice’s “I’m Queer and I Care Rally” at the Legacy of Love Monument in Dallas, Texas Good evening, my name is the Rev. Dr. Jeff Hood, Minister of Social Justice for Hope for Peace & Justice. I am grateful for this opportunity to be out here tonight talking about issues that have impact on the wider queer community…beyond same-sex marriage. Certainly same-sex marriage is an important issue that we spend much time... Read more
*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. Robert Gaza- “It’s not easy, this is a release.” Sometimes the most freeing things are the most difficult to endure. In the hardest of moments, Robert Gaza pointed to the the release that was upon him. I believe Gaza felt the presence of God. One does not have to be strapped to a gurney or lying in a hospital bed to feel like they... Read more
*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. Douglas Feldman- “I hereby protest my pending execution and demand immediate relief.” Douglas Feldman was a remorseless killer. Before he uttered his last words, Feldman declared that his killing of innocent truck drivers were a justified death sentence that he was forced to carry out. Why would anyone care about his last words? Feldman protested his execution and demanded relief. We didn’t... Read more
The natural birth of Lucas was amazing. Madeleine was a little slower to make her appearance. Emily was experiencing contraction after contraction and nothing was happening. After close to four hours, I noticed something dripping on the floor. I don’t know why, but I assumed that it was water for a moment. When I realized that it was blood, I told Lauren (the doula) and ran out into the hall to yell for the nurse. Emily was in trouble... Read more
*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. Vaughn Ross- “I don’t fear death.” We are a people paralyzingly afraid of death. We are diseased with an inability to see life in death. For Vaughn Ross, life was far scarier than death. Ross was ready to depart this life for the experience of the beauty of the next. The courage of a convicted killer facing death in the execution chamber... Read more
*These reflections are taken from pieces of the last words of the last 40 persons executed in Texas. John Quintanilla, Jr.- “…tell my wife that I love her…” Who do you love? If you had a needle stuck in your arm about to pump poison through your veins, who would you express your love to one last time? John Quintanilla, Jr. wanted his wife to know how much he loved her. Though Quintanilla was executed, the love he had for... Read more
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