Someone recently asked me why that was the title of my book. Honestly, I can’t think of a better title. My life over the past year has been totally unplanned.
Planned Parenthood placed a spotlight on my pro-life beliefs and it has been a journey since then. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been a little over a year. My life so far has been quite unplanned, and seems to continue in that direction.
While I never thought I would be doing ANY of this, I definitely NEVER thought I would have a book out. I don’t necessarily love to write and really, the thought of seriously writing a book had never crossed my mind.
However, publishers started calling me to ask if I would consider putting my story down on paper. I was a little hesitant at first. I knew more publicity would only draw in more criticism and I didn’t think I was in the mood, but the more people kept calling, the more I felt a tug at my heart. Should I do this? Should I put that type of vulnerability out there for everyone to read and for people to spit on?
The more I prayed about it, the more I felt like it was probably a good idea, despite not being completely on board. My book rep placed me in contact with a woman who he had known for many years. He thought that maybe she would be a good fit as a writer.
I knew with my schedule I would never be able to write a book on my own, and to be perfectly honest, I had no desire to. Her name was Cindy Lambert.
As soon as Cindy and I started talking, I knew it was a fit. The pro-life movement was something very dear to her heart as she was an adoptive mother. After we finished our conversation, I knew it was a go; with Cindy and with the book.
Now comes the easy part… telling my story. That should be easy, right? Wrong. It wasn’t easy at all. I had experienced a lot of hurt in that past few months, much more than I realized. As it turned out sharing my experiences and reading them on paper was very healing. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to do that.
Cindy was amazing. She had the book whipped out in no time. We edited together to clarify and make sure everything was factual.
I remember the day I received my first official copy of the book. I couldn’t believe it. I was an author. There was my story, in print. My big face on the cover of a book. Whoa. Was this actually happening? Yes, but all because of God’s amazing grace… and Planned Parenthood’s big mouth. 🙂
The publisher, Tyndale, had been working behind the scenes to get a marketing plan together. Their plan worked beautifully. Before I knew it, my calendar was booked up with media opportunities; people who had received an advance copy of my book and wanted to have me on their show to discuss it.
Now, after all of the waiting, the day has finally arrived. The release date of my book!!! Today, I will be live on the 700 Club and on several other CBN shows. Saturday, I return to the Huckabee show. I don’t love promoting myself, but I will try to keep you aware of the big television media events that I am asked to do, if there are any more.
I want to thank all of you who have supported me through this journey. You are my heroes. I don’t know why God chose to use my voice in this movement, but I hope that I always make all of you proud.
I do this to first honor Him and then to honor all of you, for those of you that have been fighting for so long. You are the ones making a difference. I am your story. I am here fighting for life because of you. I will keep fighting because of you.
Former Planned Parenthood Leader Abby Johnson on Life Unplanned
Just read an excerpt from your book. Praise God for his Amazing Grace in your life!
I’m so very proud of you Abby!The angels are rejoicing in Heaven this day ! God is smiling!Jesus lays your past at the foot of Calvary Cross ! Your soul is secure ! You have made a great many friends ! WE LOVE you !!! Dont ever stop !!
Love the book so far – and have been praying for you and your family all day – for God to increase his hedge of protection around you all as the attacks from the darkness get stronger! Thank you for your continued courage in sharing your story 🙂
AbbyThank you so much for sharing your story. I ordered your book from Amazon weeks ago and I cannot wait to read it. I am praying that it changes the hearts of those who are still blind to what abortion really is and the effects it has on the women and men that involved. I am praying for you and your journey to share your story with the world.
Abby,
I remember hearing of you when you left Planned Parenthood so I was excited when I read of your book release. I pre-ordered your book on the 10th for my Kindle…I received it this morning and honestly couldn’t put it down until it was done. It was an amazing story and I thank God that he has sent you as a witness on this journey.
God Bless you and your family! May God give you strength and courage to continue the fight.
Last night I was up late into the night reading the new book “Unplanned” and I just couldn’t put it down. I was so completely blown away and in awe of God’s grace and goodness. As I was reading through the book the biggest thing that kept coming back to me was prayer! These entire events happened because of prayer! Faithful unending prayer. The book is really a testimony to prayer… and it’s really interesting timing because He’s be teaching me more and more about REAL prayer this entire year.
May the Lord continue to bless your efforts and may you continue to PRAY in 2011. He is so awesome.
Your brother in Christ,
Jason
Abby, Girl you got it going on with this new book i do not read but when i saw this book i was like OK and so i did OMGSH can you say Great i loved every min. you would have me crying and laughing at the same time. I really have to see you speak and meet you. you are such a great women. I have did some Extensive research on the abortion topic and i have always been pro-life just now i hold my own in a debate i like to think that if the Pres. Of NARAL would come to me and try to debate this topic i could put here in tears.(not on purpose) because of the strong message of Christ. Forgive me i’m biased but You have to been the most amazing Pro-Life Women you have gave me an entire new passion for this line of work. I was considering not going to Med. School and just being on the front line but then i thought. I can get my MD work at a crisis preg. center and help women with the real alternatives and provide them with Free medical care.
Abby, I was participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign when you left Planned Parenthood and joined the pro-life family. I was moved to tears then, reading about it on the 40DFL blog. I’ve heard you talk on TV and on the web; a few days ago I read the first chapter of your new book. Last night I listened to the unPlanned web conference, then downloaded the Kindle version and started reading that. Wow. I repeat, wow!
I have tears in my eyes as I type these words, making it hard to see the keyboard or the screen, but I have to tell you how profoundly your story has moved me. I am so thankful that the Lord called you to be part of the pro-life movement. And that you answered Him with such a heart-felt Yes! I prayed for you when I first heard of you. And I’m going to pray more for you now. God is using you in marvelous ways. Thanks be to God!
Peace be with you, Abby, and with yours, now and forever. God bless you! Amen.
Your friend, Just one of countless new friends, working together for a culture of Life,
Disciple 🙂
AbbyI read your book, in one sitting, riding on the bus to Washington D.C. for the March for Life earlier this week. It was very profound to be reading your story while travelling with such a large group of pro-lifers. I applaud your book, which I found very captivating to read and brought me to many tears and smiles.
I especially noted the comment from Father Frank Pavone, in the Foreward: (paraphrasing) that our opponents are not necessarily evil, but they have been captured by the evil one. Most of them are much more like us than unlike us, so we must treat them with respect and compassion. You were obviously captivated by love from those who disagreed with you, but loved and prayed for you anyway. You have truly been blessed; and you blessed me by sharing your story and these insights with me. I hope everyone in the cause to reverse Roe v. Wade will read your story and learn a valuable lesson from it.
May God continue to bless you and heal you! And, may you find peace, joy and hope in the years ahead!
Alan
Thank you for writing this book and inspiring us to be courageous in speaking up for unborn children. God has been moving in my heart that I need to be vocally and actively involved in defending the right of unborn children to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness and the women who are perishing for lack of knowledge about their choices. I know from personal experience the fear that can grip us when we’re facing pregnancy and the unknowns of the months ahead.God bless you and Coalition for Life as you continue to minister to women and babies in crisis!
Abby,
I was at the Students for Life of America Conference. I don’t know if you remember me, but I had you sign my book. Of course, it’s done and handed to the next person to read 🙂 I just wanted to say how much you’ve inspired me in my life to stand up so strongly for this movement.
I’ve been hesitant for so long about really delving into the most important movement we’ll probably ever face in our lifetimes. But your book on top of this past weekend’s conference has completely changed how I see my place and all those I’m working with in the cause for Life.
Thank you so much for this Abby. It truly was in God’s Plan all along. Your testimony and the continued efforts of all those you’ve inspired (plus those who inspired you) will bring an end to this silent genocide that has plagued the world for too long. You’re in my prayers, and I ask you to pray for me.
God Bless You!
John
Thanks for this tremendous post, I am glad I detected this web site on yahoo.
Abby,I just finished your book. I am a mom and a daughter whose mom needs me, so I don’t have much time to read, but I found time between homeschooling my kindergartner, doing my 13 year old’s birthday party, helping my 18 year old plan her college life for the next 4 years and praying for my 20 year old, while helping my mother to take her pills and get meals and keeping her in her own home instead of a nursing home, to read your story. It was very impressive as are most of God’s miracles. It always amazes me how He puts His mark on all of His work. He is an awesome God. Obviously, He already has, but God Bless You and Your Family!!!!Kathy
What an awesome book! I couldn’t put it down. I’m very inspired by your story and also the way God worked in your life during this whole time. So glad a former PP worker saw the light. Thanks for sharing your story with the world.
Hi Abby,
I heard your story/interview on Focus on the Family (aired by Inspiration 92.3 FM in Nigeria, Africa). I googled your name and that of Melissa Ohden after I heard her mention your name in her FOF interview.
The reality of abortion in the US is nothing to compare with what we have here. It is not legal here and the culture places a heavy stench and stigma on the one who chooses it. So, we have many using crude means and patronizing obscure medical facilities where many end up dead or rendered permanently infertile. Worse still, there are no known active prolife advocates and Christian ‘first responder’institutions that provide counsel to victims of unwanted pregnancy and a voice for the voiceless unborn. please think of extending your ministry to Africa too…
I hope your book/movement comes to Nigeria. Your cause is worth dying for, Abby. But grace has been given you even before you got the call!
This morning on Fox & Friends while discussing the Komen decision, the hosts several times said that the decision by Komen to not fund PP would also affect PP ability to provide mammograms,biopsies and cancer treatment. Since Fox has such a vast viewership, would you kindly contact them and correct their misinformation about just how minimal are the breast cancer screenings provided by PP and educate them that PP does not provide mammograms, biopsies nor treatment.
Abby, I bought your book right away, you see because Feb 4, 1996 at 36 and going through infertility my water broke prematurely. I was 18 weeks along and spent a week in the hospital trying desperately to hang on to my baby. I went into labor and little Josiah Paul didn’t make it through the birth. I remember my Doctor weeping as my husband and I wept. But when they brought him to me to hold and say good-bye…. I KNOW that Josiah was my word from God. I saw first hand how perfect he was and it was as if God was saying look, open your eyes and see what has been happening on purpose to My handiwork. Your society is murdering my little ones. All life is precious and I will keep Josiah’s song in my heart. I will stand up and be counted with those who stand in the gap for the unborn babies from conception on!