I want to revisit the scene of the Annunciation to contemplate this statement by the Archangel Gabriel. (Lk. 1:37.) Tough situations can seem so intractable, some people so set in their ways, that this assertion becomes almost impossible to believe.
And yet. Sometimes a story comes along where the power of grace shines through so strongly that you want to shout that nothing — nothing! — is impossible with God.
Unplanned, by Abby Johnson, is such a story. Before it was a movie (https://www.unplannedfilm.com/), it was a memoir (now in an updated edition). It recounts the author’s stunning transformation from abortion clinic director to pro-life activist. Johnson writes with honesty and charity, and throughout the narrative she provides the reader insight into her thought processes as they unfolded. Charity requires that we not demonize people with whom we disagree. Unplanned affords readers an opportunity to eavesdrop on the good, if ill-informed, intentions of a young woman who honestly thought she was providing an essential service for women — until the fateful day when she was confronted with the reality of abortion.
Johnson has twice appeared on The Journey Home on EWTN. In her latest appearance, in addition to telling her pro-life and faith conversion stories, she discusses her current efforts to help abortion clinic workers leave the industry.