What does it mean to truly live as a disciple of Jesus Christ—and how can young people recognize God's hand in their lives? In this episode of the How I Walk With Him Youth Podcast, we sit down with Dayzi Stringham, a young woman preparing to serve a mission in the New York Syracuse Mission. Dayzi openly shares her testimony, her experiences growing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the challenges she faced during high school, and the people who helped her strengthen her relationship with Jesus Christ. Dayzi's story is an honest and encouraging conversation about what it looks like to follow Christ during the teenage years. She talks about the importance of prayer, scripture study, seminary, church attendance, good examples, and simply using our time wisely to build a stronger testimony. She also shares how the people around her recognized her as someone they could turn to for advice—something she connects to the way we can turn to the Savior for guidance and help. One of the most meaningful parts of Dayzi's story is her experience with prayer during a difficult personal trial. She describes praying silently while riding in the car with her mom and asking Heavenly Father what she was supposed to learn from the experience. Later, while reading the scriptures, she came across Romans 8:18, which reminded her that the suffering we experience now cannot compare with the joy and glory that can come through Jesus Christ. That experience helped her find peace and strength to move forward. During this conversation, Dayzi also discusses some of the challenges facing teenagers today, including: Finding and maintaining friendships Stress and struggles that young people don't always talk about Learning how to communicate with parents and trusted adults The importance of having supportive leaders Staying committed to seminary and church when it can be difficult Learning patience and trusting God's timing Finding strength through prayer and scripture study Recognizing Jesus Christ as a constant and dependable friend Dayzi offers an especially powerful perspective on friendships. After experiencing difficult and changing friendships throughout high school, she came to understand that while relationships with other people may change, Jesus Christ will always be our friend. She also shares an important message for parents and youth leaders. Teenagers may be dealing with much more internally than they are willing or able to communicate. Dayzi encourages parents and leaders to step back, be patient, pray for the youth in their lives, and remember that young people need to know they are loved and supported. Sometimes the best thing an adult can do is simply be there when a young person is ready to talk. Preparing to Serve a Mission Dayzi is preparing to serve as a missionary in the New York Syracuse Mission, and she shares the story of how she first developed a desire to serve. Her desire began as a young child while singing “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission.” She remembers realizing that she genuinely wanted to be a missionary and serve Heavenly Father. Later, seeing faithful young women serve missions gave her additional examples and strengthened her desire to follow the same path. As she prepares to leave, Dayzi talks about reading her patriarchal blessing, studying the Book of Mormon, praying for understanding, attending temple preparation, and working to strengthen her testimony. She explains that prayer has become an important part of her scripture study because she wants to understand what Heavenly Father is trying to teach her through the scriptures. Trusting God's Plan The conversation closes with a powerful testimony from Dayzi about trusting God's plan—even when it doesn't match our own. She acknowledges that everyone experiences doubts and trials, but she believes there is a purpose behind the experiences we face. Her message to youth is simple and powerful: God has a plan for you, and you need to trust Him. She recognizes that God's plan may not always be what we expect or what we would choose for ourselves, but His plan is better than ours. Dayzi's testimony is a reminder that building faith doesn't require having every answer. Sometimes it means praying, opening the scriptures, listening to the people Heavenly Father places in our lives, attending seminary, serving others, and continuing to move forward—even when we don't know exactly where the path will lead. This episode is especially meaningful for youth, parents, youth leaders, seminary students, young adults, and anyone who is working to strengthen their testimony of Jesus Christ. If you're struggling with friendships, facing a difficult trial, preparing for a mission, or simply wondering what God's plan is for your life, Dayzi's story offers a message of hope: Trust the Savior. Be patient. Keep praying. Keep moving forward. And remember that God's plan is greater than our own. Listen to this episode of How I Walk With Him and hear Dayzi's inspiring testimony of Jesus Christ, faith, prayer, missionary service, and trusting Heavenly Father's plan.
