Lauren Burns Shares Story of Abduction, Rescue, and Faith

Lauren Burns, a 46-year-old mother from San Antonio, Texas, has released a memoir titled "Stolen: A True Story — Kidnapped, Rescued, Redeemed." The book recounts her experience in 1987 when her father abducted her at age seven and took her from Texas to Jordan. Three months later, her mother, Cathy Mahone, successfully rescued her with the assistance of a team of retired U.S. Special Forces soldiers who intercepted Burns' school bus.

Burns describes the rescue as a moment of shock and disbelief, noting that she had resigned herself to never seeing her mother again. Beyond the dramatic events of her childhood, Burns focuses her narrative on the long-term emotional impact of the abduction, including the anger and "father wounds" she struggled with for years. She credits her faith with helping her navigate the process of forgiving her father and rebuilding her understanding of God. Through her writing, Burns aims to share her journey toward healing and redemption with others.