writing in the margins of life
It was dusk and I was driving through the Midwestern country roads on my way home from babysitting for some friends. Peter Hollens' album of folk songs played softly in my car, and the wind rushed through the open windows blowing my hair all around. But my heart was heavy. As I wound out of [...]
It doesn't make sense. I don't understand why people kill other people out of anger. I don't understand why an invisible virus can both take and destroy lives with the fierceness of a great army. I don't understand why people we love get cancer. I don't understand why the dearest of friends are pitted against [...]
Panic attacks, nightmares, and anxieties surrounding conflict or change have long been large parts of my life. I remember when I was little, I would dream that my Dad would be mortally wounded by an escaped evil warrior with an undetectable poison disguised as a Reese's cup while traveling. (I'd like to take this moment [...]
Life is short, it's true. But boy, it can be hard sometimes. We are living in strange and confusing times. Universities are closing, borders are locking down, and everyone seems to have the answer to all questions regarding the pandemic. The confusing part is that everyone's answers are different and while we all think we're [...]
It's the warmest winter in our small town since the 80's and my southern heart is not complaining. There is no snow on the ground, no ice scrapers being pulled out when we leave the house, and the sun is shining brightly. The weather outdoors mirrors that inside of me. Warm, bright, and hopeful. All [...]
There is something incredibly natural and soothing about a baby sleeping peacefully in the arms of the one caring for him, and this morning something very convicting. He does not raise his head to question whether my grip is strong enough to hold him if he squirms. He does not hold onto me as if [...]
Dear local church, you are a blessing. Every Sunday morning, I stand in your midst and hear your voices raised to praise the King. I hear His truths preached from the pulpit. I see smiles and tears, I see rejoicing and mourning. I see you, local church. I see you young families and your little [...]
The morning light was still hours away from creeping through our windows yesterday morning when I woke up and stumbled downstairs to the coffee pot at five o'clock. Rubbing my eyes thoroughly and rummaging through the fridge to find the creamer helped wake me up and by the time I curled up in my usual [...]
Our backyard is full of trees that seem to burst with life and greenery in the summertime. There is a little cove in the back right corner where the branches seem to envelop two teal lawn chairs and when you sit up there, watching the sun fade behind the house, it's pure magic. The squirrels [...]
"I know that. And I want you to have a wonderful time." She sighed. "I just want your life to be easy."I opened both my eyes to see her digging through her makeup case, her lips pushed together tightly."Who said that life was supposed to be easy?" I asked."All Manner of Things" by Susie Finkbeiner [...]
Madelyn Istrate 