Walk Over It by John M. Hopkins

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 22, 1909

Walk Over It

By John M. Hopkins

JOHN M. HOPKINS

EVERY one is subject to trials and discouragements. With some they are not so severe, while with others they seem to follow in rapid succession. Some natures are timid and weak, and with such, trials weigh more heavily than with the strong minded.

But there is a vast difference in the nature of difficulties. Some ought not to be. They are occasioned by the wrong-doing of others,—by slights, or snubs, or the turning of a cold shoulder. There are some extremely sensitive persons who feel hurt and grieved, and go about gloomy and sad, with the head down, looking and acting as if forsaken by all. But what does this course avail? It saddens one’s own life, and robs it of all its joy and sweetness. It ought not to be that way. When one is conscious of having done right, what real difference does it make what others think or say?

There is such a thing as manly, womanly, dignified independence. And it is the right and duty of every person who is performing duty to the best of his strength and wisdom to hold up the head, to put those annoyances, those slights, or even real troubles, beneath his feet; to walk over them, ignore them, treat them as if they had no existence.

I know what I say. I know what trials and troubles mean. I know that if allowed to do so, they will darken and embitter and destroy the whole life. I have learned, or am learning, to look up, to keep my eyes looking straight ahead, to sing, and to be as happy as possible.

Just try this, my brother, my sister. Walk over them. Don’t get the blues because of some imaginary evils, or even real ones, but conscientiously do right by all mankind; then hold up your head like a man, trust in God, and walk over those things that would mar your life and destroy your usefulness. Try it.

Hewitt, Minn.