I Don't Want to Have the Prayer: A Messy Pastor's Kid Does Her Memory Work

You know what I've heard about girls like you?

Messy, bookish girls like me?

Wait, what have you heard?

How does an introverted, untidy pastor's daughter cope with a fastidious mother, a perpetual lack of privacy, and adults who expect her to turn the other cheek or pray on demand?

Church can be hard - even for a pastor's kid. Especially for one prone to sassiness and messiness and who falls far short of holiness.

With irreverent wit, Karen Kuhlmann Averitt reflects on the ridiculous and remarkable aspects of parsonage life and vividly depicts an awkward childhood punctuated by tragic clothing choices (she thought she slayed in that maroon corduroy vest and gaucho set), run-ins with mean Lutheran girls, and a yearning to fit in.

Through poignant reflection, Karen also explores her knack for worrying, her feeble attempts to live out her faith, and her astonishment at God's incomprehensible grace.