It has been a long time coming, but it is finally time for me to say I am no longer a Pastor's Daughter. As much as I loved every single second of that full time job, when God called my family to a new life it was for the best. A lot of people don't realize the actual struggle it is to be a pastor's kid and I want to help make everyone aware of it.

1. I am not perfect.

I sometimes get an attitude with my parents and one time I punched my brother.

2. I am allowed to date.

3. Take me out of the spotlight.

My dad is (was) a pastor, not the President of the United States. I am not a big deal, so do not make everything that I much larger than life. I remember I went to prom Junior year and kids actually judged me for it. Like, okay I get it, my date was a guy I grew up with and I literally did not touch him the entire time, but I shouldn't be here because of my father. Whoops wrong.

4. I am allowed to mess up.

The only difference between me and other kids is when I claimed Christ as my Lord and Savior I became 100 percent aware of the things that I do wrong, so while I am super thankful for everyone pointing out my flaws I know what I have done wrong.

A lot of people think that they have the right to pick apart every aspect of their pastor's life ... including their children, but those people don't have that right. Being a pastor's kid is tough. Really being a kid in general is tough and a lot of adults seem to forget that they were once in high school and it took them time to grow up too. I want to end this with a challenge: if you go to church take your pastor's kids out for lunch and just listen to their hearts. Listen to the things they have to go through and then thank them for being cooperative and allowing their parents to do their part in God's will.

P.S. since I know my dad will probably be the only person to read this whole thing I just want to give a shout out to you for being the best dad in the world. Thank you for all the memories and for always eating ice cream with me. I love you so much.