How Personal Progress Came To Be


 

This information was given by Sister Ann Seamons, who served on the Young General Board for nine years and served with Sister Ardeth G. Kapp. She was also one the ten women involved in the creation of the values.

"When Elaine Cannon was released and Sister Kapp was put in as General President of the Young Women, she didn't know what the Lord wanted her to do. She spent months on her knees begging for direction, many, many, hours agonizing and pleading for guidance. It was two months before she had counselors and five months before the board was in place. Shortly thereafter, they were asked to come to an all day retreat. They were to come fasting, bring their scriptures, and choose their favorite scripture to share, They were told to plan on being there eight or nine hours.

There were ten women present from all walks of life. Single, married, younger, older, no children, lots of children, working women, stay-at-home moms. They shared their scriptures. Three of the ten had the same scripture. (D&C l23:ll-l7) Then they had an open discussion. After nine hours of praying, discussing, and scripture reading, on the board they had:

Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice & Accountability, Good Works, and Integrity.

They sat and stared and wept as it was witnessed to each of them, individually and collectively, "This is what my young women need to come home to me. This is what will help them live my teachings and keep their covenants." These seven "things" didn't have a name. They weren't called values until later. There was some discussion about "obedience" and "honesty" being included in the list. Each of the seven board members took the next six months and totally researched one of the values. They searched for every scripture, talk and article on the subject.

Over the course of the next nine months, piece by piece, the personal progress program was developed. It was made known to the board that it was to replace the existing program.

Sister Kapp was invited to the Priesthood Executive Council meeting with all of the general authorities. It was the first time in the history of the church that a woman was invited. (They now attend once a month).

Sister Kapp presented the values to the First Presidency. She said the first three values have to do with their identity. The next four, their direction. They are in order. The first value is the same as the first principle of the gospel, "Faith". You can't do anything in this life if
you don't have faith in Jesus Christ and His plan. All that we do is predicated on faith in the Savior. Once you understand that, you can better comprehend "Divine Nature", that you really are a child of God. Then you are prepared to grasp your "Individual Worth" and once you have your identity, you are ready to receive direction. You are prepared to cultivate "Knowledge". The more you know, the more "Accountable" you are for every "Choice" you make. Then you are ready to nurture others, build the kingdom, and bless the lives of others through "Good Works". Finally, when you live what you know, you have "Integrity".

I asked what the reaction of the First Presidency was. She said, "They were thrilled!".

Divine direction was received in pieces. During the many months that the work was being done on the Personal progress program, the general board would send the information to the Correlation Committee of the church for approval. It was returned to them many times for revisions. They wrote and rewrote....every single word of the Personal Progress Book has been approved.  The values were introduced at the first satellite broadcast for young women in l984.