From the Bookshelf: Unplanned

Life has slowed down a bit lately, so I've had more time for some leisure reading! I received the book, Unplanned, for Christmas, and was able to finish it up today!

Unplanned is written by Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director. She shares her true story of her change of heart and the journey God had for her.

Abby's time at Planned Parenthood began during college when she volunteered with the organization. Eventually she became more involved and over time, became the director at a location in Texas. She liked working for Planned Parenthood because she had a heart for women and wanted to help them. Planned Parenthood does provide some help for women, but one day Abby was asked to assist with an abortion. All those years working at the clinic, and she had never been involved with the abortions. She realized a lot about Planned Parenthood that day and in the months to come.

For 8 years, Abby's desire had been to help women in a crisis situation, but when Planned Parenthood began pushing for more and more abortions to be done at her clinic, her eyes were opened to what her husband and other family and friends had been praying.

No longer wanting to take a stand with those encouraging abortions, Abby quit her job, unsure of what was to come.

The Coalition for Life often prayed outside the clinic Abby worked at. Not knowing what else to do, Abby went to them for help. Eventually Abby became involved with their efforts - she was now praying at her former clinic - on the opposite side of the fence than she had been on for all those years.

Abby's decision to walk away from Planned Parenthood created quite the buzz in the news. Many people had been praying for her change of heart for several years, and it was an encouragement to see those prayers answered! Becoming involved in the Coalition for Life, Abby was still able to help women facing an unplanned pregnancy, but without the pressure of encouraging abortion.

Working at Life Choices Center, Abby's story had come up a few times in emails or things I've read online. It was interesting to read her story since she has been on both sides of the fence. Abby now has a lot of influence where she speaks and shares her story, and I'm glad she is standing for life!