This is the iconic Bank Building, which has stood in the heart of Belfast city centre since 1785. For the last 40 years it has housed Primark, one of the most popular department stores in the country. The building has become a famous landmark with its iconic clock overlooking Royal Avenue. It is a popular meeting place and buskers and street evangelists often ply their trade outside it, vying for the attention of the passing public.
Yesterday morning, just after eleven, Rebecca and I were travelling out of Belfast along the M1 motorway. We were heading home, having been in the city on an errand. A fire engine suddenly flashed past in the opposite direction, its sirens wailing and blue lights flashing. Then a second….and a third. We wondered what was going on. When we arrived home, Fionnuala was watching a live video feed from the city. The Primark building was on fire.
The fire started on the roof, apparently after a workman’s blowtorch was left unattended. A stray spark had started a fire which was soon raging out of control and spreading downwards. Thankfully the building was safely evacuated and hundreds of frantic shoppers spilled out onto the streets below. Within hours the building was an inferno and a black, choking shroud of smoke could be seen across the skyline.
Fourteen fire appliances and over 100 firefighters battled the blaze throughout the day. The roof collapsed, followed by all its floors leaving only a blackened, smouldering shell. There are genuine fears that the historic building will have to be pulled down. Hundreds of staff have lost their jobs. The city is mourning the loss of an old friend. It had survived the German Luftwaffe and countless terrorist bombings during ‘The Troubles.’ But now it was gone in the blink of an eye.
I walked past the blackened hulk this morning on my way to the office. There was an eerie silence and the smell of cloying smoke still hung thick in the air. So much history, culture and memories lost. All because of one tiny spark. Life will go on. Businesses will reopen and trade will resume. Yet it won’t be the same. The shockwaves of that spark will ripple outwards for many years to come.
Life can be like that. One moment of madness, one loose sentence and the fire is ignited. Small at first, but soon raging out of control, fanned by petty fears and jealousies. Before you know it friendships are consumed, relationships destroyed and families are left in ruins. The fire and smoke of our foolish actions can have repercussions which will impact upon the lives of others for generations. No family tree can survive its wrath.
Think before you speak. Consider the bigger picture and play the longer game. Wisdom and discretion are hard won, but invaluable, qualities to possess. Take responsibility for your words and actions. Nothing burns like a spiteful tongue and nothing hurts like a deep burn. Such wounds may never heal fully and even if they do the scars will remain throughout the ages. Yet they can be so easily prevented with a little care.
Are there fires raging in your life today?
Black Thoughts 
This is BRILLANT. It really speaks to me this morning, since I have been considering this very thing. I am so glad that you write this. Iam so sorry to hear about the historic building, and the terrible fure, and the luves it has affected. How terrifying. I do not know Bekfast, but have a real live of Ireland even though I have never been there. If I was well it woukd be the one place I would like to go. I did not realuse you lived in Ireland. Antway, this
Ist is great. Commiserations about that terrible fire
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Thank you. I hope you get to visit here one day 🙂
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10 to 1 it wasn’t the welder’s torch that started the fire. It was the cigarette he was smoking & carelessly tossed away.
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A great analogy! Sorry for the loss of a great building that held so many memories for so many people. But your use of the event hit home so well. A word misplaced, poorly said can wreak havoc on so many lives – just like the fire of that historic building. Thanks for reminding us to choose our actions and our words before its too late.
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You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment 🙂
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This. Is. Awesome!!
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Thank. You. Very. Much.
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Ouch. Had to do a quick check to what dumb things I’ve said recently. Well said and great analogy. Or is it a metaphor? I’m very sorry about the loss of the historic building.
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I think it’s an analogy. But either way thank you very much 🙏🏻
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Oh how sad!! Very sad!!
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It was indeed 😐
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PROFOUND!!!
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Thank you 😊
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Wow, wow, wow.
The Bible compares the tongue to the rudder of a ship. Both are little things, but they steer the course of the vessel or a life. Handled well, they can steer the ship or the life into places of prosperity and influence. Handled poorly, and puts both the ship and a life on the rocks.
This was an awesome analogy you found here, how one tiny thing can do so much destruction. Thanks for sharing this.
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Your welcome William. Thank you for the kind words 🙏🏻
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Very sad and yes, I am always putting out fires somewhere in my life.
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Join the club. I’ve blogged about purple fire engines today 😂
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Majorly agreed!!!!!
Also, I’m thinking of sending an email with questions about your book. I am extremely picky as a reader (which is my issue, nothing to do with the writer) but for over a week I’ve been feeling like maybe I could help as a test reader 🙂 because I really would like to. I want to surround myself as a reader anyway.
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That would be great. Fionnuala had hoped you would. And I’d be honoured so feel free to e-mail. Thank you 😊
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I also have some other questions. One about my book and a blogging idea that would involve you. 🙂
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Yes. 100%. Go for it 🙂
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I saw this on the news and it looks horrendous, so sad. So easy to reference it to every day life too, the wrong word, tone or look can have serious consequences instantly whether meaning to or not.
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Yes, it made the national news!
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I read about this in the news … utterly tragic. Rather beautifully written post though Mr B. I must say. ☀️☀️
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Why thank you. When do you return to dear old Blighty?
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On Wednesday … I’m rather looking forward to it. It’s proving tricky to have enough time on my own here to read and write which sounds a bit daft but family is demanding! Ps Did I tell you we have news of the next posting? 🤔
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No. Do tell. Far flung fields?
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So glad you asked! 😉 Umm New York!!!
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Blimey! You’ve hit the jackpot!
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Ha! I thought you didn’t swear! I must say, I do keep bouncing around getting rather overexcited … Labrador puppy springs to mind …
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So sad to lose a national treasure like this one, but wonderful how you used it as a jumping off point for this post. May all fires be put out quickly – on second thought – no, may the sparks not be lit in the first place…..
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Thank you . Yes, I agree!
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Your post reminded me of a verse in Psalms that says, “Set a watch before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Another Scripture compares the tongue to a fire. Words can be forgiven but not taken back!
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Yes. As ever you speak the truth, Meredith 🙂
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Your loss saddens me and your words teach me. I 💜 pray my tongue not to start a fire today and my words to put them out before they spread.
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Thank you very much 🙏🏻
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