Yes. It’s true. I am a pastor’s daughter. Go ahead, let the stereotypes fill your mind. Am I a Bible-thumping, homeschooled, sheltered, naive, judgmental girl? Or am I rebellious, promiscuous, the partier, and the non-believer within the circle? Nope. I’m just me.

It’s interesting to feel stereotyped just because of your father’s profession, but I’ve been dealing with this since the day I was born. I’ve gotten used to it, but sometimes I’m still a little taken back by what people think of me and when I break that stereotype that they’ve set.

So let’s start with the drinking. I am not a party girl and I’m not saying you have to be one to drink. I just don’t drink. I probably will when I’m twenty-one, but I just kinda like to follow the law. The closest I have gotten to an alcoholic beverage is probably when one of my family members had me throw away an empty beer can for them. So yeah. I’ve gone to parties and have observed others drink, but personally, I just don’t feel compelled to! I’ve had multiple friends and acquaintances appalled at the fact that I’ve never taken a sip of alcohol in my life because to some of them I just “seem like the type of girl”. I’ve also had some even say, “but aren’t you a pastor’s daughter? Aren’t you supposed to do that kind of stuff?” Are you kidding me? I usually just laugh it off, though!

Secondly, just because I’m a Christian doesn’t mean I’m a homophobe and it doesn’t mean I think everyone is going to Hell. My best friend is gay and I honestly think that there’s a chance for everyone to get into Heaven. I usually refrain from telling people I’m a pastor’s daughter because they’ll immediately think I’m judging their sexuality and spirituality when I’m really not. My best friend was terrified to come out to me because he had no idea how I would take it. Obviously, our friendship is as close as ever and I’m so glad that he opened up to me and we’re still best friends.

Now let’s get onto the big question.

Am I a Virgin? Yes. I’ll say it. It’s sad that I feel embarrassed to say this in a society where everyone sleeps around and that is the norm. I am abstinent not just because of religious beliefs, but also because according to my observations sex is a very personal thing and I don’t wish to share that special moment with just anyone. I want that person to be a permanent part of my life and I want to know they are loyal to me. I’m not saying that people who are having premarital sex are bad people. I mean, good for you for getting some, but I’ll just patiently wait for that experience. Sadly, though, as a pastor’s daughter, I’m either a prude or a slut. I’ve had people make fun of me for being abstinent before, but I just shrug it off.

I find it difficult to be a normal person in society as a pastor’s daughter because of how Christians are viewed by some. When my parent’s and I pray at the dinner table when we go to restaurants I sometimes wonder what people are thinking. I don’t think I’m better than anyone because of my religion, I don’t think my religion is the only religion there should be, and I certainly do not think that everyone should believe what I do. Everyone writes their own story and I’m not going to try to write anyone’s but my own. So, the next time you see me, don’t look at me as the pastor’s daughter, just look at me, as me!