9 GUERINCATHOLIC.ORG Student Reflections As I heard Abby Johnson speak for the first time at Bishop Chatard High School, I was beyond amazed. Her words not only captured my attention but also my heart. The love and care with which she spoke about such a controversial topic was powerful. At the end of her talk, the students gave her a round of applause and returned to class. I was struck with awe by the number of students who stayed afterward to ask her questions. Abby answered each question with calm wisdom, true love and kindness. To think Abby was going to come back with us to Guerin Catholic, to our home, to give the same amazing message, lit me up with excitement and even more passion for the pro-life movement. I think what made Abby’s witness so powerful at Guerin Catholic was the perfect silence after her words sunk in, touching the heart of every student, teacher and parent listening. She did not lecture, get angry, point fingers at women who had received an abortion or bombard us with statistics about Planned Parenthood. She shared her story, her experience and her message to love people — all of them. After Father Janko ended the convocation in prayer, I watched students crowd around Abby. Some wanted autographs and pictures, but many stayed just to listen to her words of encouragement and advice. We are so grateful to the school administration who helped us bring such an inspirational speaker to our school. I am even more grateful for the courage of Abby Johnson to stand up for life and speak God’s truth on the beautiful gift of life. Abby’s visit to Guerin Catholic will be remembered for a long time, and her example has encouraged us all to keep alive the hope that one day, if we keep fighting, every human life will be respected and loved. – Rachel Yuska Guerin Catholic Class of 2015 I have never been more passionate about anything before in my life than I am about the importance of saving the millions of lives, both women and children, from the horror of abortion. When Mrs. Murphy, the mediator of the Teens4Life Club, told me Abby Johnson was going to be coming to our school, I could not contain my excitement. Her passion and drive to tell the truth to my generation is critical if we hope to see a change. Although it is a very sensitive topic to many, it is the truth. At Guerin Catholic we tell the truth. If the truth can’t be taught at Guerin Catholic, where else can we expect it to be taught? I can honestly say hearing her speak was one of the greatest experiences I have had throughout my four years at Guerin Catholic High School. She is one of the greatest role models I have ever known. Her example has inspired me to never give up having hope that one day laws will be changed to protect the value of every human life, no matter how small. Words can’t express the respect and appreciation I have for Abby Johnson! I pray each of us will continue praying for an end to abortion and for the women who have been and will be affected by abortion. I am so blessed to be a part of a community that provides the opportunity to hear these amazing speakers. – Lindsay Hofmeister Guerin Catholic Class of 2015 Abby Johnson Abby with the Guerin Catholic Teens4Life Club. Lindsay Hofmeister and Rachel Yuska pray with Abby Johnson before her presentation to students. (L-R) Mrs. Murphy, Lindsay Hofmeister, Abby Johnson, Rachel Yuska and Mrs. Vaiana after the presentation. Abby Johnson has always had a fierce determination to help women in need. It was this desire that led Abby to a career with Planned Parenthood, our nation’s largest abortion provider, and also caused her to flee the organization and become an outspoken advocate for the pro-life movement. Abby shared her story of conversion with Guerin Catholic students during Catholic Schools Week. Below are reflections on the talk from Guerin Catholic seniors Rachel Yuska and Lindsay Hofmeister.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTMyMjA=