Blurting Out the Truth Can Be Hurtful

To celebrate Marguerite Martin Gray’s new release in the Suamalie Islands Series, Conversation Hearts, each author in the series has been asked to write about a time we have spoken without thinking and also offer a giveaway. Apparently, Marguerite’s main character, Megan, often speaks without thinking. It turns out, she’s not alone.

I’ve been told I can be curt. Who me?!

I guess if the person means I don’t spare words, or I am precise, that’s okay. But if they mean rude or short—ugh.

Once I had to tell a co-worker they were being rude. They didn’t see it. And, in their defense, certainly hadn’t meant it to be. So when a family member said I was being rude to wait staff, the first thing I did was deny it. Then I thought of my co-worker. Was I unable to see the truth about myself? Moving forward, I have tried to be mindful of not only my words, but my tone of voice, in order to sound/be kind.

But I don’t always succeed.

Shortly before my daughter passed away last year from metastatic breast cancer, we were trying to help her achieve some of the activities that were important to her. We were also making memories.

When I mentioned to an acquaintance we’d done something together so she could check it off her bucket list (without putting it into perspective), the person responded with, “Wow. She’s actually doing her bucket list?”

Unfortunately, I blurted without thinking (or bitterness I think), “Well, she’s dying.”

The other person appeared devastated and embarrassed. It wasn’t her fault; she had no way of knowing, and I’d had no intention of making her feel bad. If I’d only stopped to think, been mindful of how I responded, I could have answered innocuously or at least a little more kindly. I felt terrible. To make matters worse (in my mind at least), my daughter passed away three weeks later, much sooner than we’d anticipated.

“There is one who speaks rashly, like a piercing sword; but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18 CSB)

To find out what Megan’s been saying without her filter, read Conversation Hearts. Here’s info about the book, the author, and a link to purchase.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Book: Conversation Hearts

Author: Marguerite Martin Gray

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: July 30, 2024

Will she be able to save her father from the island’s magic before she falls victim to it herself?

When Megan Standish finds out about her father’s new relationship, she storms into the Suamalie Islands to rescue her father and carry him home to New Mexico. He’s firmly planted on Alexandre, however, but she refuses to let the island’s magic cast a spell on her decision. Even when a handsome islander and his daughter knock at her heart.

Jean Girard is a local with a flourishing transportation business taking passengers from island to island. When he encounters Megan’s stormy tirade on his boat, he promises to shelter his daughter and himself from her negative vibes. His concern continues to grow as he watches his daughter get attached to the American.

Either Jean will have to create an even bigger hedge of protection around his daughter and his heart from this pouty, controlling woman, or he will have to trust God to peel back the stubborn, hurting layers of the past and allow the miracle of His love again.

Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marguerite Martin Gray is the author of Hold Me Close, Surround Me, and Bring Me Near– Revolutionary Faith Books One, Two and Three. Besides researching her historical novels, she enjoys studying history and writing fiction. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches French and has degrees in French, Spanish, and Journalism from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, and a MA in English from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Marguerite is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Abilene Writers Guild, Daughters of the American Revolution, South Carolina Historical Society, and Preservation Society of Charleston. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and Cleo, her cat. Her two adult children keep her up to date and young.