Volume 32

Until the devastating events of September 11, 2001, it was the worst single-day loss of life on North American soil. It was also the largest man-made explosion in human history, until it was surpassed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. And it happened in Canada.

In December 1917, two ships found themselves on a collision course in Halifax Harbour which is shaped something like an hourglass. The thin band of water at the middle is called The Narrows, with Dartmouth to the north and Halifax to the south. For two ships to pass safely in that tiny channel, each must be very careful.

But on December 6th, the Norwegian ship Imo was behind schedule so her captain ordered full steam ahead as it left Halifax for New York. Chugging into the harbour was the French vessel Mont Blanc, filled with 5,000 tons of explosives, including TNT. Though there was a frantic exchange of horns and flags, the vessels got their signals crossed and both veered sharply south at the same time. The Imo slammed into the side of the Mont Blanc which spun out of control and started drifting towards Halifax.

When a fire broke out on the munitions ship, the crew scrambled into lifeboats and rowed for their lives as the floating bomb edged ever closer to shore. On the docks, people were captivated by the astonishing sight and — unaware of the danger — gathered to watch the spectacle. At almost 9:05, a blinding white flash ripped through the harbour as the Mont Blanc exploded into a million pieces, sending a mushroom cloud high into the air.

Sixteen hundred people were killed instantly and thousands morewere injured, many of them blinded by flying glass and shrapnel. The resulting shock wave levelled homes, factories and churches and a 30-foot tidal wave drowned many who had survived the initial blast. In all, 1,600 homes were destroyed and another 12,000 were damaged by fires caused by the explosion. Just when it seemed things couldn’t get any worse, a winter storm dropped a foot of snow on Halifax in less than 24 hours. Hundreds froze to death.

With the dead and dying in the streets or buried under debris, aid poured in from as far away as China. The city of Boston alone went on to contribute $750,000. Even now, Halifax sends a Christmas tree to Boston each year as a symbol of gratitude. As for the aftermath of the blast, the Halifax Relief Commission was established to handle insurance claims, rebuilding and the care of survivors. Damage was so massive, it stayed open until 1976.

Devastation in our personal relationships is often caused by the same factors that led to the tragedy in Halifax Harbour. In tense situations where we find little room to manoeuvre, caution and compromise are often overcome by carelessness. We don’t want to take the time to work things out. Impulsive and impatient, we charge ahead, intent on moving on, assuming others will give way.

But when we get our signals crossed and find ourselves on a collision course with those we love, the relationship often takes a broadside hit and lurches out of control. Pride and complacency touch off fires that eventually make us jump ship. Worse, those who are caught up in the spectacle — our kids, friends and fellow Christians — pay a heavy price when things explode with devastating results for our homes and churches. Whether it’s the searing flames of anger and distrust, or the numbing cold of a hurt and apathetic heart, everybody gets hurt.

“A prudent person sees danger ahead and takes precautions, but the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences,” says Proverbs 22:3. “True humility and fear of the Lord lead to... honour and long life.” They also lead to strong, lasting relationships. So next time you’re in a tight squeeze, slow down. Communicate clearly. Show some compromise and compassion. And let the love of Christ come through the situation before you go through the situation. Otherwise, the consequences will be explosive.

By Rick Gamble. Published in Cross Current, the weekly newsletter of the followers of Christ congregation in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. Reprint at will in not-for-profit publications. To subscribe to this free weekly article, send a note to Rick at sgamble@bfree.on.ca