I was talking with a life-long friend of mine – a fellow “First Daughter” – who presented a unique idea to me.  She spoke of how fun and informative it would be to collaborate with other First Daughters about our experiences living in “First Homes,” i.e., our fathers who were pastors or administrators in their fields.

 

One thing came to mind:  Once my dad, who had become president on the local level of his organization, very solemnly asked me if I and another friend/daughter of a president thought our fathers’ positions kept us from getting married during the time that our “regular” friends were getting married all around us (we were in our 30’s).  I told Dad I didn’t think so.  But that was something I never considered.

 

I do recall guys making statements like, “I’m not good enough to talk to you because your dad is the pastor, or the president.”  My smart reply would be, “If you THINK you are not good enough, then you’re NOT!

 

I must admit being a “First Daughter” had its challenges, that one might otherwise take for granted.

There were people who didn’t like you because you were… and there were people who liked you only because you were…  Most times, it was difficult to know who REAL friends were.

 

 

One thing is for sure:  The bond between us “First Daughters” is strong!  There is an understanding that being born in (what I call) “the tribe of Levi” that can’t be explained.  Even those of different faiths and orientations can feel the sisterhood.

 

For what it’s worth, I’m proud to be among this group of sisters!

 

Then – there is the added dimension of being the FIRST BORN!  Even though, in our house, my brothers treated me like the baby (and still do), there is still a certain sense of responsibility for our siblings.  I believe there is a natural sense of nurturing that comes with being a female, and the “first born” thing just intensifies the whole thing.

 

So what is our purpose?