That Pendant

I was 18 when I started to get close with a really great girl. Her name is Chaelyn and she was not a member of the church. I was silently hoping and praying during those times that I would have some chance to share the gospel to her. Then, in one random moment, she asked me "Your pendant is really pretty. What's etched on it?" That was the first Church related question she asked.

Throughout the years, that question has been repeated over and over again. Some have even called me "Mara" because my pendant looks like the one she owned. I would smile and tell them "Oh, this pendant is from the church. Want to know how I got it?"

This is the pendant that I am talking about:

This is my Young Women Medallion. 

I got this when I was 18 years old. 

When a girl turns 12, she transforms from being a Primary to a Young Woman. When I was about to be turned over, Mama introduced me to the Young Women Personal Progress Program. 

(this is the old personal progress)

My Mama told me that one of the best ways to spend my young woman years is to work on this program. I had six years to finish it, six years to develop into a young woman who "progressed".

This Young Women Personal Progress helps young women in the church to develop talents, skills and knowledge that will help them "strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants and receive ordinances from the temple". The program also aims to help young women to know who they are and the great worth they have in the eyes of our Father in Heaven. There are eight values in here namely Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works and Integrity and Virtue. In this program, young women are tasked to fulfill the value experiences and projects required in each value in order for her to earn the Young Women Medallion. My mother kept on telling me it's not really about the medallion, it's about what I will learn.

Looking back, I am grateful I did give time for my Personal Progress. I did not only gain a beautiful pendant, I acquired skills that I can use when I am finally a wife and a mother. :)

There was one time when our Religious Education teacher asked me to share my beliefs in front. While I was entertaining questions, Chaelyn stood up and said "You see the pendant she's wearing? She got it from a young women's program in her church. Isn't that nice?"

Chaelyn is now a member of the Church and just celebrated her 1st year last August 6, 2012. She's one strong young woman and she's even more diligent with missionary work than I. I am way proud of her.

She's also currently working on her Personal Progress. I know if she finishes well, she will also be able to bless many lives.