F-16
Our Choice Possessions
(Semi-Short Narrative)
By Katheryn M. Chouniard
Long ago, a Roman Lady of queenly bearing named Cornelia, considered poor by the people because she wore no jewels, was asked; “Have you no jewels?” She called her two children, then playing in the garden, and putting her arms about them, said; “These are my jewels!”
All of us have possessions which we consider choice in a personal way, however, the thought comes to me that collectively we enjoy many privileges, opportunities and advantages to which we give little thought to as we pass by.
Like Cornelia, could we not appropriately consider the tenets of our teaching jewels? Jewels, like talisman, have a special charm.
We have a heritage that comes to us through the perseverance and culture of the previous generations and the efforts of gifted, far-seeing Souls who struggled upward to attain their ideals.
Choice possessions vary in value according the temperament of the recipient and the use made of them.
A literary gem is not often appreciated by the hod carrier. Likewise, the necessities of life are merely taken for granted by those satiated with plenty.
We are surrounded by the ideals of our Sisterhood—the scintillating gems set into the fabric and pattern of our teaching and designated by the Founders as all important to the life of a true P.E.O. These ideals are designed to give beauty and expression to character, as a necklace of priceless jewels enhances the appearance of a person. They are not nameless jewels.
Out of devotion to principle, the abiding faith and untiring efforts of our Sister Founders, we have inherited the precious lessons of faith, love, purity, justice, and truth. These lessons are a daily guide of conduct, an inspiration to noble endeavor, and an influence for the completeness of living.
Paraphrasing them then, I would say—
If I had faith—
As one little ear-bound grain,
The mountains of despair
Could no longer remain.
If I had love—
Such as HE who gave,
Heaven would not be
So far away!
If purity I possessed
All that I touch would be
Done nobleness.
Let justice be the rule
Of life, a rule that makes
All things come right.
If truth be a lamp
Unto my fee,
However dark the path, or steep,
Its light would clearly mark
The Way!
We scarcely reflect upon these ideals, when, with a rush of convictions, other equally important qualities present themselves. Believing them to be of considerable significance, I would add another to our roster of choice possessions, namely, Courage.
Courage to defend the helpless
Against the harsh affairs of life.
Courage to uphold a principle
Against all strife,
Courage to show compassion
When others turn away.
Courage to lift a burden
Along life’s way.
Realizing the great array of intellectual endowments bequeathed to all P.E.O. members by our devoted forebears, let us diligently carry on, rather than grow weary in stagnation. Our obligation does not end here, therefore, I propose one last gem: admired and praised for the great consolation it gives, bought by the sacrifice of precious lives. It is a crowning gem of luster and strength. To possess it is a challenge to all Americans, for singularly enough, it belongs to our people as to no others in the world. Centuries ago, the Founding Fathers of this country came to these shores in search of a haven for the oppressed. It is one of those privileges taken too often for granted, guaranteed to the people under the Constitution of our country, without which, all endeavor would be of little avail. Its name is Freedom!
How fortunate are we, that we have the freedom to organize, to cultivate, and enjoy our esteemed P.E.O. unhindered; the freedom to grow under its guidance, promote its teachings and benefits, while in some parts of the world, all secret societies are banned by dictatorial edict, and freedom from fear is an unknown experience. Let our paean of praise be for:
Freedom to love and live,
Freedom of our hearts to give,
Freedom for home and sod,
Freedom to worship God.
This brings to seven the number of ideals embraced in the code of all sincere and thoughtful persons. Seven, the charmed number in P.E.O. circles that should be cherished as “Our Choice Possessions.” I venture to suggest they were all well exemplified in the lives of the Seven Founders as they faced the expanding culture and privileges of their day. To keep our choice possessions then, untarnished and beautiful to look upon, the ideals of our Sisterhood should be our constant concern and aim to preserve a credo of usefulness.
May the following lines be of a daily inspiration:
I throw the windows of my soul
Wide open to the sun;
No longer feel I all bereft,
Nor fear,— when day is done.
These seven lighted candles represent our choice possessions of light, knowledge and beauty, as exemplified in the lives and teachings of the Seven Founders, whose dream of reality has become one of world-wide influence and international significance.
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