The room was quiet — except for the soft brushstrokes of watercolor paint. At 71Five Parent Night, our leader was teaching from John sixteen. Around the table, young parents painted and talked. I noticed Emma — her brush moved slowly, carefully. She painted three crosses surrounded by scarlet red flowers. When the evening ended, she stayed to help clean up — like she always does. She’s been coming for three years… a steady, loving young mom. But as we walked outside, a tow truck screeched to a stop in front of her car. Another pulled up behind. Emma tried to reason with the repo man, but his eyes were empty and his mouth set in a frozen line. Her voice broke as she lifted her daughter’s car seat from the back. “Mama… where’s he taking our car?” the little girl whispered. We packed her things into my car — every seat filled, every heart heavy. The ride was loud with chatter… but beneath it all, I could hear Emma’s quiet tears slipping down her cheeks. Losing that car meant losing her way to work, to daycare, to freedom. I took her home and hugged her goodbye; there were no words to say.

Later that night, I posted John 16:33 — “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” Five minutes later, I saw that Emma had liked my post. Thank you for providing the support to young parents like Emma through 71Five. 

BREANNA STOUTENBURGH,  71Five Parents Coordinator  

541.941-7697 | breanna@71Five.org

“Lord God, you are my hope. I have trusted you since I was young.” Psalm 71:5 ICB