Discovering for Myself

I recently watched my older siblings take different paths from each other. My brother was preparing to serve a mission. On the other hand, my sister was pulling away from the Church altogether. Her decision was confusing for me, and for a while, I didn’t know how to process it.

I realized that my faith wasn’t something I had chosen—it was something I had grown up with. I needed to figure out what I truly believed for myself. Did I believe in the gospel because it was true, or because it was all I had ever been taught? And could I still be a good member of the Church even if I had questions?

I turned to the scriptures with a new determination. I began reading with questions in mind, seeking answers and understanding. I came to realize that asking questions about my beliefs didn’t mean I was losing faith. Instead, it meant I could build a deeper, more personal foundation.

Building a testimony isn’t a one-time event; it’s a lifelong process of asking questions, seeking, and reaffirming. I’ve felt the Spirit witness to me that the gospel is true, but I’ve also experienced times when I felt distant from God. Faith isn’t static; it’s something we must nurture daily through prayer, scripture study, and service.

Growing up in the Church has given me a foundation, but it’s up to me to build upon it. As we continue to turn to the Lord, He will strengthen our faith and help us navigate life’s uncertainties.