Growing At Different Speeds

There are so many times that I hear that we need to strengthen our testimonies, or that we have such strong testimonies already and we can accomplish so much because we have these strong testimonies! I can't stand it when seminary teachers, youth leaders, or even parents say that to us teenagers! I want to stand up and yell, "STOP IT! THERE COULD BE SOMEONE IN HERE WHO ISN'T SURE IF THEY HAVE A TESTIMONY AND YOU COULD BE MAKING THEM FEEL STUPID BECAUSE THEY DON'T KNOW!!"

I think everyone just assumes that if you are a certain age or participate in certain things, that you have a testimony that measures up to that. But it's so not true! People need to understand that our testimonies each grow at different speeds and it's okay if yours is not at the same level as someone else! Because someday it will get there! You just need to push on and you will make it. Continue on the path of righteousness that you know and follow the promptings of the spirit. All of our testimonies grow at different speeds and they will always continue to grow if we continue to take care of them! I think our teachers, leaders, and parents need to remember that and also remember to tell us that. If someone that may be questioning whether or not they have a testimony hears that, they might understand that it is ok that their testimony is where it is. In fact, the fact that they have some degree of a testimony, no matter the size, is incredible and they should be grateful that they do!