Book Spotlight: A Stolen Life

My mom and I often swap books, and processing stories together is one of my favorite things we do.

This book was one of those!

I’ve never read a book that was as much of a breeze as it was battle to get through.

It was easy to read in the sense that it was written simply- I flew through it in 5 days. Her story is just so tragically gripping, it was hard to put down. She didn’t need to use any fancy language or literary devices to capture your attention. She simply told her story and captured the hearts of thousands of readers around the world.

But it was also incredibly difficult to read in the sense that it was so raw, so graphic.

I would use discernment before beginning this book to see if it would be fruitful for you to read.

I think hearing people’s stories is important, after all, they had to live it! But I think it’s wise to pause and ask yourself if the content is appropriate for you in your season of life.

Do you have young kids and find yourself anxious for their safety?

Do you have a history of sexual trauma?

Are you currently struggling with an addiction to pornography or erotica?

Have you experienced spiritual abuse?

These are heavy themes in this book, so I would consider that before reading, and ask yourself if you’re able and willing to fervently pray for both assailants and victims in these situations.

Not to give into fear or despair, but to look for goodness in all the gory details.

If you read this and find yourself wanting to get involved in the physical fight against abduction & sexual violence there are countless ways to do so.

But above all, after a book like this, I am reminded that our first line of defense against the kingdom of darkness is prayer. I want to have fresh eyes to really SEE those around me, especially my neighbors, as I reflect on the fact that Jaycee was held prisoner in a regular backyard for 18 years, unbeknownst to neighbors. Even when she was allowed in public, nobody truly looked her in the eyes, much less recognized her.

After reading this, one of the words swirling around in my head was “captivity” which reminded me of 2 Corinthians 10:3-5: “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”

I have a renewed sense of joy and contentment in all the little seemingly mundane blessings of an ordinary day.

Using a real toilet.

Having clean clothes to wear.

Cooking homemade meals.

Access to medical care and education.

The freedom to go out, and be with my family

Closeness with my own babies.

It’s all so easy to take for granted, but it’s the very things Jaycee longed for, for too long.

I just learned that she wrote a second book that I am eager to read as well!

May we have eyes to truly see people.

May we strive to be captives to the goodness of God.

May we pray for victims and aggressors everywhere, that both may come to the knowledge of the love, forgiveness, and freedom of Christ!