Sarah Styf
@sarahstyfwriter.bsky.social
Teacher, writer, wanderer
Wife to one patient husband, mom of teenagers
Michigander living in Indiana
Politically homeless Jesus follower
Find me at https://sarahstyf.substack.com/
Opinions are my own
Wife to one patient husband, mom of teenagers
Michigander living in Indiana
Politically homeless Jesus follower
Find me at https://sarahstyf.substack.com/
Opinions are my own
Pinned
Sarah Styf
@sarahstyfwriter.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Are You New to the Journey?
If you are new to my blog, start here.
sarahstyf.substack.com
Get to know me and subscribe to my blog and newsletter: sarahstyf.substack.com/p/are-you-ne...
I realize the irony in posting this on social media, but the news this past week has made me realize just how much I've come to despise the type of person I become on social media.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-let-life...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-let-life...
I Let Life Get in the Way of Social Media
And I have no regrets
sarahstyf.substack.com
September 13, 2025 at 1:12 AM
I realize the irony in posting this on social media, but the news this past week has made me realize just how much I've come to despise the type of person I become on social media.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-let-life...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-let-life...
Yes, some use "moderate" as an excuse to never take a strong position on anything.
But for those of us who take strong positions on many different issues that do not pass any kind of ideological purity test, the messy middle is where we find ourselves.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/sitting-in...
But for those of us who take strong positions on many different issues that do not pass any kind of ideological purity test, the messy middle is where we find ourselves.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/sitting-in...
Sitting in the Messy Middle Is Not Weakness
It is an admission that being human is hard and a deep desire to have difficult conversations about human flourishing
sarahstyf.substack.com
September 6, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Yes, some use "moderate" as an excuse to never take a strong position on anything.
But for those of us who take strong positions on many different issues that do not pass any kind of ideological purity test, the messy middle is where we find ourselves.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/sitting-in...
But for those of us who take strong positions on many different issues that do not pass any kind of ideological purity test, the messy middle is where we find ourselves.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/sitting-in...
Can't we just be happy for Taylor and Travis and everyone else who wants to get married?
Because I believe marriage still matters.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Because I believe marriage still matters.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Marriage Still Matters
And I refuse to leave it to those who want us all to embrace the narrowest definition of what marriage should be
open.substack.com
August 30, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Can't we just be happy for Taylor and Travis and everyone else who wants to get married?
Because I believe marriage still matters.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Because I believe marriage still matters.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Going back is not available to us.
It’s time for us to start planning for how to move forward, and bring people along with us.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/were-never...
It’s time for us to start planning for how to move forward, and bring people along with us.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/were-never...
We're Never Going Back
What started out as a campaign slogan has become a reality that is as terrifying as it is full of promise for something so much better
sarahstyf.substack.com
August 22, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Going back is not available to us.
It’s time for us to start planning for how to move forward, and bring people along with us.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/were-never...
It’s time for us to start planning for how to move forward, and bring people along with us.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/were-never...
We need diverse ideas and people at the table. We need to renovate our systems to make that diversity possible. And we need to stop purity testing because no one can be fully satisfied.
How do we get there? I’ve got some thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
How do we get there? I’ve got some thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Diversity at the Table Matters
But getting that diversity at the table is going to require us to care about politics and work for meaningful reform
open.substack.com
August 15, 2025 at 8:22 PM
We need diverse ideas and people at the table. We need to renovate our systems to make that diversity possible. And we need to stop purity testing because no one can be fully satisfied.
How do we get there? I’ve got some thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
How do we get there? I’ve got some thoughts.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
I reflect on our cultural obsession with stuff and my desire to do better.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-done-wi...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-done-wi...
I'm Done with Consuming
I'm finally tired of all of the "stuff" and want to build something better
sarahstyf.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 11:19 PM
I reflect on our cultural obsession with stuff and my desire to do better.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-done-wi...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-done-wi...
This week, I reflect on our transition to living in a small town instead of a large city.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/a-city-gir...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/a-city-gir...
A City Girl in a Small Town, Kind Of
And learning to love it more than I ever thought possible
sarahstyf.substack.com
August 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
This week, I reflect on our transition to living in a small town instead of a large city.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/a-city-gir...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/a-city-gir...
Like with many issues, this requires a nuanced conversation that people on both sides of the debate aren’t willing to have because we aren’t willing to have the most important conversation of all: What is the purpose of education?
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/how-school...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/how-school...
How School Vouchers Hurt Everyone
But we don't have to let it turn our education system into "us vs. them"
sarahstyf.substack.com
July 25, 2025 at 12:27 PM
Like with many issues, this requires a nuanced conversation that people on both sides of the debate aren’t willing to have because we aren’t willing to have the most important conversation of all: What is the purpose of education?
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/how-school...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/how-school...
I believe we need to learn ABOUT religion in public schools to better understand our neighbors and also literary allusions, but religious instruction of all kinds should be left at home.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-a-chris...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-a-chris...
I'm a Christian, and I Don't Want Religion in Public Schools
No one benefits and everyone is hurt when religion is weaponized against citizens
sarahstyf.substack.com
July 18, 2025 at 12:16 PM
I believe we need to learn ABOUT religion in public schools to better understand our neighbors and also literary allusions, but religious instruction of all kinds should be left at home.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-a-chris...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/im-a-chris...
This is seriously one of my favorite writing assignments I’ve created. If you are looking for a way to teach both narrative and argument and help students understand what it means to establish their credibility as writers, this is the unit for you.
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-a...
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-a...
Teaching Argumentative Narrative
A full unit plan to help students turn their experiences into meaningful arguments
styfteachesenglish.substack.com
July 16, 2025 at 8:03 PM
This is seriously one of my favorite writing assignments I’ve created. If you are looking for a way to teach both narrative and argument and help students understand what it means to establish their credibility as writers, this is the unit for you.
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-a...
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-a...
Do you know anyone who is looking for ideas for teaching Holocaust studies this fall? Here is my whole unit plan.
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-t...
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-t...
Teaching the Holocaust
With Elie Weisel's memoir Night
styfteachesenglish.substack.com
July 15, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Do you know anyone who is looking for ideas for teaching Holocaust studies this fall? Here is my whole unit plan.
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-t...
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-t...
Have you checked out my blog? Here is what you'll find if you subscribe.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/let-me-rei...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/let-me-rei...
Let Me Reintroduce Myself - 2025 Edition
Who is Sarah and what can you expect On the Journey?
sarahstyf.substack.com
July 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Have you checked out my blog? Here is what you'll find if you subscribe.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/let-me-rei...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/let-me-rei...
“Boys will be boys” doesn’t have to be an excuse for bad behavior. It can also be all the best parts of parenting boys who will become men.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/when-boys-...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/when-boys-...
When Boys Will Be Boys
But in the best ways possible
sarahstyf.substack.com
July 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
“Boys will be boys” doesn’t have to be an excuse for bad behavior. It can also be all the best parts of parenting boys who will become men.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/when-boys-...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/when-boys-...
Five pages into the book Abundance and this quote: “And yet, the story of America in the twenty-first century is the story of chosen scarcities. Recognizing that these scarcities are chosen—that we could choose otherwise—is thrilling. Confronting the reasons we choose otherwise is maddening.”
July 10, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Five pages into the book Abundance and this quote: “And yet, the story of America in the twenty-first century is the story of chosen scarcities. Recognizing that these scarcities are chosen—that we could choose otherwise—is thrilling. Confronting the reasons we choose otherwise is maddening.”
With three weeks until I’m back in the classroom, I’m working on getting my lesson plans written out for other teachers.
If you know any English teachers who are new to the classroom or who need help, share with them!
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-d...
If you know any English teachers who are new to the classroom or who need help, share with them!
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-d...
Teaching Definition Essay
A full unit plan to help students expand their understanding of a single word
styfteachesenglish.substack.com
July 9, 2025 at 8:51 PM
With three weeks until I’m back in the classroom, I’m working on getting my lesson plans written out for other teachers.
If you know any English teachers who are new to the classroom or who need help, share with them!
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-d...
If you know any English teachers who are new to the classroom or who need help, share with them!
styfteachesenglish.substack.com/p/teaching-d...
Bookshop dot org is doing free shipping this week to counter Prime Days and I’m here for it.
You can purchase my books here.
bookshop.org/lists/my-boo...
You can purchase my books here.
bookshop.org/lists/my-boo...
My Books
Checkout out this list on Bookshop
bookshop.org
July 8, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Bookshop dot org is doing free shipping this week to counter Prime Days and I’m here for it.
You can purchase my books here.
bookshop.org/lists/my-boo...
You can purchase my books here.
bookshop.org/lists/my-boo...
I started this series a couple of years ago to explore what I learned as a Midwesterner living in Texas. I hope this will give some people a better understanding of a state that has far more influence on the rest of the country than most people realize.
sarahstyf.substack.com/s/midwestern...
sarahstyf.substack.com/s/midwestern...
Midwestern Reflections on the Lone Star State | On the Journey | Sarah Styf | Substack
We lived in Texas for six years before moving back to Indiana. These are my reflections on those six years as Midwest transplants. Click to read On the Journey, by Sarah Styf, a Substack publication w...
sarahstyf.substack.com
July 6, 2025 at 10:53 PM
I started this series a couple of years ago to explore what I learned as a Midwesterner living in Texas. I hope this will give some people a better understanding of a state that has far more influence on the rest of the country than most people realize.
sarahstyf.substack.com/s/midwestern...
sarahstyf.substack.com/s/midwestern...
We loved our trip on the Bourbon Trail, but there are lessons beyond how bourbon is made and tasting all of the varieties.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/final-thou...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/final-thou...
Final Thoughts From the Bourbon Trail
What I took away from the trail and why it matters to all of us
sarahstyf.substack.com
June 27, 2025 at 12:34 PM
We loved our trip on the Bourbon Trail, but there are lessons beyond how bourbon is made and tasting all of the varieties.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/final-thou...
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/final-thou...
Like many, I’m processing, and sometimes that processing is messy.
But here we are.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/isnt-every...
But here we are.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/isnt-every...
Isn't Everyone Tired?
When do we finally decide that fear, greed, and hatred have to stop?
sarahstyf.substack.com
June 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Like many, I’m processing, and sometimes that processing is messy.
But here we are.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/isnt-every...
But here we are.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/isnt-every...
Here is our last day on the trail. Reflections in the trail coming on Friday.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
A Surprising End to Our Bourbon Trail Adventures
Day 3: Four Roses and Buffalo Trace
open.substack.com
June 16, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Here is our last day on the trail. Reflections in the trail coming on Friday.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
I don’t want everyone to agree with me all the time. That is boring.
But I do want to know that my faith and humanity are not being questioned. And I don’t want the words that come out of my loved ones’ mouths to make me question their humanity either.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-just-wan...
But I do want to know that my faith and humanity are not being questioned. And I don’t want the words that come out of my loved ones’ mouths to make me question their humanity either.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-just-wan...
I Just Want Real Talk
My desire for deep conversation without losing everything
sarahstyf.substack.com
June 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM
I don’t want everyone to agree with me all the time. That is boring.
But I do want to know that my faith and humanity are not being questioned. And I don’t want the words that come out of my loved ones’ mouths to make me question their humanity either.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-just-wan...
But I do want to know that my faith and humanity are not being questioned. And I don’t want the words that come out of my loved ones’ mouths to make me question their humanity either.
sarahstyf.substack.com/p/i-just-wan...
I really want to participate in the protests this Saturday, but I will be in Kansas for my grandfather’s 95th birthday celebration. If you are like me, and you don’t feel you can attend a protest, here is a suggestion.
Do a supportive drive-by.
Do a supportive drive-by.
June 9, 2025 at 1:02 PM
I really want to participate in the protests this Saturday, but I will be in Kansas for my grandfather’s 95th birthday celebration. If you are like me, and you don’t feel you can attend a protest, here is a suggestion.
Do a supportive drive-by.
Do a supportive drive-by.
Yes, there are a lot of important things that I need to write about right now, but I have to have fun too.
This is our second day on the Bourbon Trail, this time in downtown Louisville.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
This is our second day on the Bourbon Trail, this time in downtown Louisville.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
A Trip Down Whiskey Row
Day 2: Michter's, Angel's Envy, and the Evan Williams Experience
open.substack.com
June 9, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Yes, there are a lot of important things that I need to write about right now, but I have to have fun too.
This is our second day on the Bourbon Trail, this time in downtown Louisville.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
This is our second day on the Bourbon Trail, this time in downtown Louisville.
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
I’m a couple of hours later than normal, but here is the first day of our explorations of the Bourbon Trail. Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
Learning History on the Bourbon Trail
Day 1: Woodford Reserve, Maker's Mark, and Chicken Cock
open.substack.com
June 6, 2025 at 1:39 PM
I’m a couple of hours later than normal, but here is the first day of our explorations of the Bourbon Trail. Enjoy!
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahsty...