Today is year two. The second year since I walked away from Planned Parenthood. It’s the anniversary of my new life. I am a better mother, a better wife, a better friend, and a new creation in Christ.
These two years have been the best of my life. It hasn’t been without some heartache, but it has all been worth it. I am filled with emotions today. I am happy because I never thought my life would turn out so beautiful.
It is wonderful to follow God’s plan. I am blessed in a way that I don’t deserve. I have amazing friends, friends that I didn’t have just two years ago, friends that will be with me the rest of my life. My marriage is better than it has ever been. I never realized how the evil of my job had crept into my life at home. Now, we are free of that. I value my daughter more than I ever have. I never really thought of motherhood as a gift, but now I am able to see that it is the greatest gift we are given as women.
I also look back on the day I resigned and feel emotional. I couldn’t have had better allies in my corner, the Brazos Valley Coalition for Life. My world was falling apart and they were strong, prayerful, and centered. They were there to guide me when I didn’t know where to step, especially Shawn Carney. I wouldn’t be here healthy, grounded, and stable without him.
When I showed up at his office he started to protect me. I couldn’t seem to see what was in my future, but he could. He was prepared. I will never forget the day, 2 years ago today, when I told him that I had to resign right then. I said I couldn’t wait. I had planned on waiting, but I just knew I couldn’t wait any longer. I was going to go back there, pack up my stuff and leave. Shawn had been in “go mode” since minute one and I don’t think he had really received an opportunity to enjoy what was happening. I mean, I was the director of the clinic his group was trying to shut down. This was a victory, but he hadn’t taken the time to celebrate. But there, in that parking lot, just me and Shawn, that was his moment.
I will never forget his face, the smile and the joy in his eyes. We both couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. It was pure peace, pure joy. I don’t think I had ever felt that before.
However, today I am also burdened. There are so many of my friends are still there, inside those clinics. Those people won’t communicate with me anymore. I consider them good people who are misdirected. Now, I am the enemy.
I am hurting for all of those people that are still caught in the midst of all of the justification inside the abortion industry. I desperately want them to experience the freedom that I do. I want to share this happiness with them. If they could just experience it for one day, they would never go back. If they could just free themselves from the lie, the truth would heal their brokenness.
I fear for their hearts, that they will become hardened. I fear for their eternal souls. I pray for all clinic workers every day. I hope you will also consider making this a priority in your life.
I have to thank everyone who has been on this journey with me. All of you have been my inspiration. You keep me going every day. The stories you share with me touch my heart. I am just one person in this mighty pro-life army. All of you keep me strong. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
My appreciation goes especially to Elizabeth McClung. You were once my sidewalk counselor, but now you are my best friend. God had something very special in store for us. You bring me sunshine every day.
Abortion has been my life for 10 years now. I have destroyed many lives. I will live every day trying to right that wrong. St. Joan of Arc said, “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” I am not afraid to stand up against anyone and give a voice to the children that have been lost. I believe I was born to fulfill this mission. I believe you were born for this too.
We were born to stand up for these children in the womb. We are soldiers, warriors, in this battle for life. We are willing to stand up to evil and say NO. No weapon formed against us will prosper. We are with God. We are His. He can change any heart. He can open any mind. He is God. He is BIG. He is in the business of miracles. I am living proof.
fr. Arek OFM says
Thank you, Abby, for your testimony!I’ve read your book and I like it very much, because it helped me to realize once more God’s love for the most helpless among us, his great perseverance in searching for the lost sheep, and that He listens to our prayers.
May God bless you always!
Amanda says
Happy 2 year Anniversary, Abby!
Kacie says
Abby, today I read your book. I started and finished it today, and I enjoyed knowing that today was the two-year anniversary!
Your testimony is so powerful and your book let the glory of the Lord shine through.
A church member loaned me your book and I’ll keep passing it on to others in our congregation. Meanwhile, I’m now inspired to join others in prayer at Planned Parenthood during the 40 Days For Life.
We have seen that prayer works. God will continue to work on the hearts of others. He is in control — always was, always will be.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Karma says
NO NO NO greater joy than knowing you are accomplishing God’s intended plan and fulfilling His destiny for your life. We are all equipped with internal GPS systems (God’s Positioning System…AKA Holy Spirit) that direct us through life and “recalculates” when we make a wrong turn or get off course. I THANK YOU GOD for His sovereignty in our lives, and for redirecting your course and bringing you back on track! Congrats on your anniversary!!!!!
Rebecca says
I just wanted to say: Yes, it *is* hard to walk away from an entire life’s work. People will vilify you for it. It is hard.
But I also wanted to say: You. are. awesome. End of story.
Laura says
Happy anniversary!!! So happpy to have you with us
Anita says
never forget 2 timothy 4:16 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles/ (pro-choice) might hear. Also, I was delivered from the mouth of the lion.thank you for walking away 2 yrs ago. be strong and courageous,Abbey, and never stop sharing your testimony
Angela Welliver says
God is so good : )In celebration of your anniversary I will pray in a special way today for the clinic workers at the abortion clinic when I go to pray today.
I am so happy for you. I will also include your friends in my prayers who have yet to cross over. May God guide them to the truth.