Growing up in small-town Texas isn’t easy. Knowing everyone like they’re your next door neighbor, with everyone gossiping about the same person all at once, was never fun.
Being the non-denominational, semi-popular New Life Church pastor’s kid, however, was considerably worse. Though I am no Marvin Gaye or Katy Perry of the PK world, I would say I was treated as a “Shertown” celebrity during my days of ruling as Presidential Preacher’s Kid.
The entire congregation—really, the entire town—expected me to either be perfect and grow up to be the spitting image of my father, or to completely screw my life up once I got to my teen years. As Wikipedia puts it, there are two stereotypes of pastor’s kids: the bratty angels and the daredevils. I’d like to say I turned into a mixture of both of these things, owing to my innate desire to piss everyone off.
While the trickery and fun and games of being watched all the time like a celebrity can be quite the adrenaline rush, there are a few tidbits of information I wish I had known ahead of time. There are certain ways to play the game of being a PK. Consider this the essential guide to the ways and worries of the most ironic small-town celebrity.
Public Defamation Preparation
Don't be afraid of the congregation's words. They will slander you and murder your public image, and are not the least bit afraid to embarrass you.
While you think they might hurt your reputation in your early teen years, know that it only gets worse. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer. A smile always beats tears. As for the false accusations, blow them off like they never happened. Because they didn’t, right?
Ingredients Needed in Your Daily Life
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