"Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say" Ain't No Lie

It started out innocently enough. Just silly playfulness between my mother and me.

Now, before I tell you the story, it’s kind of important to point out something. I had no-nonsense parents. In fact, I would never have even considered talking back to either of my parents. I valued life too much. And that’s really not much of an exaggeration, okay?

So picture it. Noel, Missour. 1984. It was the house on Lorene across from the bait shop and just down from the river. Mom sat in her chair knitting. I lounged on the couch, reading a book. Mom said, “You need to put the dishes away.”

As I rose and set my book down (note that I was already in obedience mode; this is important), I quipped in a sassy falsetto, “You need to put the dishes away.”

We laughed. Looking back, I can’t recall what made us think it was fun or funny. But we did. I almost wonder if I wasn’t imitating something from a movie. Anyway, it became a thing with us. I’d ask what was for dinner, and she’d mimic me. She’d tell me to put my clothes away, and I’d snap back with the same silliness.

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Oh, Be Careful Little Mouth What You Say.

For weeks this went on, just us being goofy. No disrespect or ugliness intended by either of us. You know what’s coming. You have to.

At that time, Mrs. Strickland used to pick me up every Sunday and Wednesday night on her way to church. It was literally a hundred yards out of the way. Well, one Sunday, she picked me up, then picked up Grandma Mary (right? You know where it’s going…). We parked and I got out. Mrs. Strickland said, “Can you help Grandma Mary out of the car?”

I’d mimicked her so fast it wasn’t even funny. The horror in my heart must have shown on my face, because the shock on hers turned to concern. Fortunately (God is so good), Grandma Mary didn’t hear me. After dropping her off that afternoon, I explained and apologised. Returned home nearly in tears (that’s the Chautona equivalent of sobbing my heart out) and insistent that the game had to end.

Mom agreed. She’s wise that way.

But it was a really good lesson for me–a lesson in how even something that is meant to be innocent and fun can hurt. It was the first time I really understood why the “Well, I didn’t mean for you to take it that way” apology just… isn’t.

So why am I telling you this embarrassing story? Well, because Marguerite made me do it.

No really, she did! You see…

Conversation Hearts by Marguerite Martin Gray released on Tuesday!

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.