Beware of Lightning!

A few times during my youth, my family traveled from Ohio to Hartford, Connecticut to see relatives. The visits weren’t particularly memorable-except one. An ongoing heatwave brought my cousins, my brother Mike and me, and a multitude of others to the city’s Goodwin Park pool. I couldn’t have been a happier seven-year-old.

Well, for at least five minutes.

The sun had turned the pool into a shimmering sheet of glitter with floating heads, torpedoing bodies, and shrieking kids. I jumped into the shallow end to escape the sweltering heat.

Without warning, a powerful blast of wind blew in a wall of black cumulonimbus clouds. Pelting rain burst from the sky. Limbs ripped off trees. A clap of thunder boomed as a lightning bolt crackled and shattered the air. The earth shook. Over the chaos, I barely heard a frantic announcement to “get out of the water!”

“I command you: be strong and steadfast! Do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NAB)

Like a child of Israel fleeing from the Egyptians through the Red Sea, I joined the mass exodus. My older cousins and brother had vanished. Near the pool, a tall tree-its branches swaying and twisting in the wind-hovered over the bodies of three men. Two were lying close together on the ground and the other not far from them.

I thought they were all dead.

The pool staff ran to their aid. Firemen seemed to magically appear and put oxygen masks over the victims’ mouths. I turned away to look for my cousins and brother. When I found them, they were bug-eyed as if they’d seen a horror movie.

According to local news reports, the victims were golfers who took refuge from the storm under a tree near the pool. The heart of one stopped beating after a lightning bolt-the one that shook the earth-struck him. Attempts to save his life failed. The man next to him ended up on the critical list. The third man, who stood apart from them, escaped major injuries.

  • Water is an exceptional conductor of electricity. Being outside near it, or in it, during a thunderstorm will boost your odds of going to be with the Lord.
  • Our bodies are about 60 percent water, so we’re terrific lightning rods. If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, a bullseye is on your head.
  • Trees, porches, pavilions, tents, umbrellas, or other open shelters won’t protect you from lightning any more than a hat. Look for enclosed grounded structures.

A few years ago, when my cousin, Elisa, and I were discussing this tragic event, she told me, “I couldn’t believe how calm and in control you were. I was impressed!” Maybe if I’d been traumatized, I would’ve been more cautious during thunderstorms throughout the years that followed.

As a careless young adult-bored and alone at my brother’s house during a storm-I turned on his television. Not just any television-a Heathkit in a handsome wooden cabinet that he’d painstakingly built by hand. A loud KABOOM preceded a blue blaze that flashed across the room in front of me. The television sizzled like pork bacon in a hot iron skillet.

  • Lightning can travel into your home via plumbing and electrical circuits. Don’t do harebrained things like use plugged-in devices or take showers.
  • Lightning can jump through windows and doors and go through the ground to concrete walls and basement floors. Steer clear! You’re not Lazarus.

After I married and had children, caution curbed my carefree attitude. When one of my sons had to deliver newspapers before a fast-approaching storm, I drove him to his route. As dark menacing thunderheads rolled in, we were hand-carrying papers to homes on opposite sides of a circular road that led back to the car.

A tornado siren wailed over the gusting wind as rumbling thunder rattled mailboxes. Down from the cloud base, a funnel began a slow pirouette.

“The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook.” (Psalm 77:18 NRSV)

“Run, run, run!” I shouted at my cool, calm, and collected son who poked along tucking each tightly wrapped paper burrito into a safe spot. Apparently, he got the chill gene I had in my youth before I knew any better. We made it back to the car just before a violent cloudburst. Tornadoes threatened to form but didn’t touch down.

  • Immediately seek shelter during a tornado warning. You may only have a few minutes to make it right with your Maker.
  • A hard-topped car is a safe haven because lightning prefers to zip through a canopy of metal instead of a human water balloon. Metal trumps water.

Six years ago, when my husband, Michael, and I decided to hike on a nearby bike trail, he diligently checked the weather. The only time he doesn’t check the weather is when he’s sleeping-that’s when he just dreams about checking the weather.

“It’s not supposed to rain till 9:00 tonight,” he said. “It’s only 6:00. There’s plenty of time for a quick hike.”

So we walked for a mile and a quarter before we saw lightning zigzagging through a bank of black clouds barreling toward us like hungry feral hogs searching for prey. We were in an open field-two gloriously prominent lightning rods.

“Shafts of lightning will fly with true aim, and will leap from the clouds to the target….” (The Wisdom of Solomon 5:21 NRSV)

“They said it wouldn’t storm until 9:00!” Michael shouted. “We’re not going to be able to outrun this!”

We can run?

Thunder boomed as lightning pierced through sheets of gusting rain. Just before we reached the car, the apocalypse passed and the sun peeked out. We were panting like mangy rabid dogs when a rainbow appeared. Michael pulled out his camera from under his shirt to take a picture.

“Behold the rainbow! Then bless its Maker, for majestic indeed is its splendor;” (Wisdom of Ben Sira 43:11 NAB)

And then-KABOOM!

Out of the silence of a spent storm-the ear-shattering crackle of a lightning bolt split the air. It sounded like the earth’s fabric tore.

Michael chirped, “I almost got a picture of that!” If the strike were closer, the camera would’ve welded to his face.

  • Check the forecast before going out. However, storms are hard to predict and their paths often change. If so, pray for an adrenaline rush to sprint to safety.
  • Even when the weather clears, lightning can strike quite a distance from a storm. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder to be sure the angels are done bowling.
  • The most dangerous place during a thunderstorm is outside in an open space. If no safe shelter is available, get into the lightning crouch to reduce your size as a target and minimize your contact with the ground. Squat on the balls of your feet (feet together), cover your ears with your hands, and tuck your head down.

Recently, on a nice balmy day, Michael and I decided to go on a bike ride around the neighborhood. As usual, he checked the weather forecast, the barometric pressure, the cloud patterns, the wind direction, animal and plant behavior-ants crawling up the wall. I looked out the window.

“The rain should hold off till we get back,” Michael said. I nodded. I didn’t mind getting wet.

But when we were a mile from home, it didn’t just rain-it stormed!

Michael took off-never looking back-with plans to open the garage door so I could zoom in. Like a wild woman, I splashed through the streets and raced around curves with harpoons of lightning hot on my heels. As an option, I could’ve dropped my bike and figured out where to die.

  • If you’re caught in a storm on a bike, you can choose to abandon it, squat low in a waterless ditch, and accept your fate as a rat snack.
  • Whether on a bike or on foot, keep moving toward a safe shelter. The last resort is the lightning crouch-but good luck staying balanced on your toes!

“For over all, his glory will be shelter and protection: shade from the parching heat of day, refuge and cover from storm and rain.” (Isaiah 4:6 NAB)

Whenever there’s a heatwave, like the one I experienced as a seven-year-old, there’s a chance of a storm. If you’re not in a safe structure, find one. If you hear cumulonimbus clouds grumbling, don’t go near water. Don’t shower, use electronics, ignore tornado sirens, hike, or bike. Being unaware or careless can be fatal.

Published by Nancy Homlitas

The stories and photographs I share are meant to brighten moods and spawn smiles. There's nothing more hilarious than a true experience, especially in hindsight! And there's nothing more uplifting than a pleasing picture, particularly if it enhances a story. As a feel good bonus, blog posts will include relevant bible verses.

99 thoughts on “Beware of Lightning!

  1. I recall during my summer in North Carolina on the sunniest day of the year suddenly we’d be in the center of an electrical storm and everyone would make a mad dash out of the pool area and back to their homes. I thought it was crazy but beautiful. I had never seen weather change so quickly.

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    1. Those North Carolinians must be well-trained from the battle scars of experience. And, I agree, storms can be beautiful-especially afterwards when the air is refreshingly clear and nature is vibrant. Thanks for checking out my post and commenting, Geo. 🙂

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  2. Wow, Nancy, what astonishing stories. There isn’t much lightning in the Seattle area which is pretty good because I couldn’t balance for long on the tips of my toes either! Thank you for the great info!

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    1. So, Seattle has plenty of rain without the drama-interesting! My six-year-old granddaughter, who was my model for the “lightning crouch,” had difficulty maintaining the pose. Being frightened might help! Thanks for reading my post and commenting, Wynne. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Wow you have experienced a lot of close calls! I only have once when we were paddling in a dragon boat. As soon as we saw the storm approach we raced the boat to shore. Our hair was standing on end! It was pretty scary. Luckily we made it to shore without incident. Great tips you give. Maggie

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    1. It’s surprising-considering how much you explore in the outdoors, that you haven’t had more close calls. If your hair was standing on end in the dragon boat, you were extremely close to getting zapped! You were indeed very fortunate. Thanks for your compliment, Maggie. Happy travels! 🙂

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  4. Love your stories, Nancy! They always stir me to remember my own experiences while bringing me through your own.

    I remember when a bolt of lightning struck a ground utility box at my workplace. I was outside with a co-worker watching the storm when it struck in front of me about 75 ft away: SO LOUD!

    I thought my coworker was going to leap out of his skin…never forgot it!😮😆

    Have a blessed day, and thanks for the good tips also…we just had big storms roll through Michigan.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Oh, I think your Michigan storms kept right on rolling into Ohio! When you were at work and watching a storm while outside, you were very fortunate that metal utility box was there and struck-or it may have been you! Your guardian angel served you well. Thanks for your kind words and your comment, Eric. 🙂

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  5. Nancy, you’ve had your quota of close encounters with lightning. How frightening! Thank you for all of the precautionary information. This is an important post especially at this time of year.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Well, getting caught in thunderstorms sure gets the adrenalin flowing and the heart pounding! I’m sure Iowans experience their share of lightning bolts to dodge, especially farmers. Thanks for commenting, Joy. 🙂

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    1. Ha! My six-year-old granddaughter, who was my model for the “lightning crouch,” had difficulty staying on her toes. She just kept getting back into the pose after falling out of it. So, if it’s storming, you’d likely have to do the same thing and hope that any zapping happens when you’re balanced! Thanks for commenting, B.O.B. 😉

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  6. Wow that is crazy, I just love you adding verses. Your Christian outlook on these frightening moments are so encouraging. We recently have had some MAJOR storms coming through and lightning has always been a fear of mine. Thank you for sharing these stories, I have the same fear for my little brothers when they are outside. But I have to put my Trust in the Lord and be as careful as possible.

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    1. A healthy fear of thunderstorms is a good thing. I’m sure you’ll teach your brothers what is safe behavior and what is risky behavior when outdoors- or indoors-in regards to thunderstorms. That may be a little tricky to try to harness their energy! Thank you for your opinion and your kind words, Sawyer. God bless you and your family. 🙂

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  7. Every few days, I check your blog because i am enchanted by your writing, humor & faith.
    Your last one about your mother was incredible so I shared it with others.
    It is so good to know you are back blogging. This was a stellar entry. Thank you.

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    1. It’s so thoughtful of you to regularly check my blog for new posts but, as you’ve noticed, I’m not a frequent flyer. I’ll try to do better, but I really enjoy supporting other bloggers such as yourself. Students who protest blindly about capitalism, etc., might have second thoughts were they to read my mother’s story. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, Jack. I value your opinion. Keep cranking out your awesome posts! 🙂

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  8. Skillfully written, Nancy. I like how you interspersed advice within your anecdotes. I was with you the whole way. My wife grew up on the west coast and hasn’t exprienced many lightning storms. We were in New York in a cabin once when the whole place seemed to boom, following the cracks of lightning. She was definitely scared, and I was also a little uneasy. I lived in the Dakotas for nine years, so experience was on my side. I’ve seen tornado clouds but never been in one. I recall hanging out in our basement with my family gathered around the radio, listening to the reports of tornadoes touching down in the area.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your opinion and letting me know what worked to impart information. I appreciate your kind words. Funny-I can’t imagine a summer without thunderstorms. It’s understandable why your poor wife was rattled during her storm baptism. A cabin isn’t as likely to stifle kabooms as much as an insulated house. Thanks again for commenting, Pete! 🙂

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      1. Sorry about the double comments, didn’t realize it happened. My father was in our cow barn shoveling out necessary “stuff” and suffered a flesh burn through the water trough. Our son was on a high school bike trip. They were in a tent when lightening struck the tree next to them. His pant zipper melted onto him, ouch! Thankfully his bike was attached to the tree and took most of the force which saved him and his friend’s lives. Never a dull moment in our household, ha!

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        1. Thankfully, their injuries weren’t devastating-although your son might not agree with me! Their stories are eye-openers-hopefully, others have learned from them. Thanks, Ellie! 🙂

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  9. Wow – that’s quite a tale. Both my father and our son was struck by lightening and survived. When I was in a golf tournament, I had to be partnered, not with my Pro hubby who is sensible, but with an idiot guy. When it began thundering and lightening halfway thru, he declared we’d be able to finish. I angrily said we could NOT!!! He didn’t relent until a lightening strike hit a tree a couple hundred feet in front of us. As is noted, ya can’t kill stupid!

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    1. That’s shocking that two members of your family were struck by lightning. Praise God that they survived! You must be quite a skilled golfer. Fortunately, you had the common sense to know when to leave the course and the guts to refuse to continue. Thanks for sharing your story, Ellie, and for commenting. 🙂

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    1. The scripture you shared is powerful and the meme image dynamic. Thank you for sharing this: “The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power; and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.’ (Nahum 1:3 KJV)

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        1. You’re very fortunate that your entire computer didn’t sizzle like my brother’s television. And, I agree, as long as I’m in a safe structure, I enjoy a good summer storm from time to time. 🙂

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    1. Ha ha! Michael is much more attentive to atmospheric conditions and the most recent forecast. I just look at the sky and hope for the best. There have been many times when we wanted to hike or bike at a park or trail but didn’t because the forecast was ominous. We’d end up staying at home on a beautiful day! Thanks for commenting, Dana! 🙂

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  10. Quite the experiences Nancy, and appreciate all the pointers on what to do in various situations.
    I chucked when I read about your hubby not checking the weather when he is sleeping as he is probably dreaming about checking it 😁. And when you guys were on a hike and the storm came in early – your thoughts ‘we can run’? – made me chuckle 🤭.

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    1. You’re welcome, Manu. I’m glad you got a few chuckles from the post. Getting stuck in a thunderstorm in an open field wasn’t funny at the time, but we laugh about it now. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. 🙂

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  11. You sure have had so many close calls with lightning. Remind me to decline any invitation you give me to join you on a remotely possible storm day for a hike. You made me laugh as I read about your experiences and your advice, but you also had some very good points that we should all follow. One thing, though. If I have to do the lightning crouch then I will probably die, stiff knees and all. It’s not that you didn’t try to help me. 🙂

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    1. Ha ha! Thank you for the chuckle, Patty! When I showed my six-year-old granddaughter how to do it so I could take her picture, I toppled left, then, right, then left. She had difficulty staying on her toes, too. But I suppose you can stay balanced if you’re scared stiff while you’re in that position. Thanks for commenting, Patty. 🙂

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  12. That sounds terrifying. To look over and see people lying there, thinking they might be dead.. There’s enough terror and awfulness from human nature, let alone when people do awful things to each other. 

    I was out once when I was a kid at a park with this other boy (I was a tom boy, didn’t give a crap about the pouring rain). Then lightning came out of nowhere and we could only sit just under the swings, which was the least stupid idea we thought compared to the slide. We don’t get the sort of weather in the UK that the US can get, or other countries face, so we’re very lucky in that regard. 

    You’ve really been caught out in it over time, haven’t you? Good point on how you and Michael went out, having checked the weather forecast, thinking all should be okay for a while, only to find it wasn’t. Never trust a weather forecast. 

    You know, even now I wouldn’t have thought twice about getting in the shower if there’s lightning outside. Oops! 

    Excellent post, well done on raising awareness. The things you’ve included here could keep someone safe or even safe a life. 

    Caz xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. It’s a wonder more kids aren’t struck by lightning since their instinct is to get under cover in not the wisest places. But adults tend to make the same mistakes when seeking cover. I was a tomboy, too, so I can connect with you. I enjoy your health posts very much-they’re well researched and informative. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting, Caz. Stay well! 🙂

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  13. Thank you for sharing these insightful reflections and practical tips for staying safe during storms.

    Thank God you were and are ok. Frightening Story.

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    1. I appreciate your views about my post, Willie. “There but for the grace of God go I” is a thought that comes to mind when others suffer misfortunes and I don’t. Thanks for commenting and stay safe! 🙂

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    1. If a few chuckles help you remember the lightning safety tips, than that’s wonderful. We apparently share the same sense of humor. Thank you for your feedback, Cindy! God bless you. 🙂

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  14. My earliest memory is of crouching in our family’s basement while a tornado was touching down on our farm. I think I was about 3 or 4 years old when it happened. It ripped out a row of trees and smashed a couple of out-buildings, but thankfully spared the house. I’ve still been known to stay outside during storms when I shouldn’t, though, usually trying to get a couple of last minute yard chores done. I should probably take heed of the advice in this article!

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    1. Your earliest memory certainly was a memorable one! You’d think we would learn from past experiences, but it appears that us humans are risk takers. When I read through lightning fatality statistics, there were yard workers and farmers in there-so I’m happy to hear you plan to be more careful. I’m going to try to be more careful, too! Thanks for visiting my blog, Debi. 🙂

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  15. My goodness Nancy–you’ve encountered so many close calls with lightning! I had to smile at your references to your husband, the weather-watcher. My husband is too! It IS amazing that during this era of Doppler radar, the experts can still be wrong quite often. Thank you for all the tips woven between your stories. We lived in Florida for 40 years, where the meteorologists frequently schooled us on what to do when lightning threatened. However, I never heard of the lightning crouch! Just tried it–doable for short stints, perhaps, but uncomfortable! I suppose if you’ve got lightning flashing and thunder crashing around you, the discomfort wouldn’t be so noticeable!

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    1. Preferring outdoor activities certainly increases one’s chances of getting stuck in foul weather. My six-year-old granddaughter, who posed for the lightning crouch, kept falling.out of it, too. I think instinct is to run (ha ha!). I got a chuckle out of your comment. Thanks, Nancy! 🙂

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  16. Wow, Nancy, your posts are always so surprising and with a good touch of humor and blessings! I don’t know why this didn’t appear in my feed. I just checked and I am subscribed to your blog. Another mystery but I can’t figure it out. Anyhow glad you left a comment on my blog to bring me here to see this post!!

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    1. Word Press can certainly be a curiosity at times, but thanks for doing a search when this post didn’t show up in your feed. I appreciate your opinion and am tickled by your comment. Thank you, Ellen! 🙂

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  17. Lightning is incredibly dangerous. Always seek shelter during a storm and avoid water and open spaces. Be cautious, as lightning can strike even when the storm seems distant. Stay safe!

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    1. Agreed! Lightning is life-threatening indoors or outdoors. Always beware whether you’re in a safe grounded structure or if you’re near something that is a lightning magnet. Thanks, Kumar, for visiting my blog and commenting. 🙂

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  18. Wow! First, that’s a lot of lightening to have had to run from.
    Second, I learned a few things here, like to stay inside. I’m the one that’s out there always getting photos. I love those storms. I will think about it more next time they come around now. Thank you.

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    1. When you’re an outdoor person, like you and me, there are more opportunities to get ambushed by sudden and unexpected storms. I also love a good rumble to cleanse the air, but please be careful! Thanks for visiting my blog, Kathleen. 🙂

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    1. Thanks, Tom, for commenting on my post. I hope you were able to kick back and enjoy Independence Day, which likely means more to you than just shooting off fireworks and scorching burgers. 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Terri, for visiting my blog, commenting, and signing up. That’s very kind of you. I don’t mind a good thunderstorm to cleanse the earth when I’m safe and snug in the house, but not when I’m outside in the thick of it! May God continue to motivate you to write terrific, inspiring posts, Terri. 🙂

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    1. You’re right, Mother Nature’s storms are quite powerful. She usually warns us with grumbling thunder, but sometimes it’s a surprise attack! Thank you for checking out my blog and commenting. 🙂

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  19. Childhood recounts are fascinating; especially ones involving storms. I’m like your husband: a bonified weather geek. My smart phone was made for one purpose…to check the weather and radar. Like you, I had a few close calls with lightning. Thunderstorms in Texas can be as bad as a hurricane., and most produce a lot of lightning. I was seven years old or so, sitting in our kitchen with my mother. She went to the sink that was located at a window, which was open to catch the cool air from a ferocious thunderstorm attacking Fort Worth. A bolt of lightning came through the window, bounced off of the sinks water spicket and shot over to the refrigerator. My mother, always under control of any situation, walked over to the refrigerator to check the food inside. All was well except for the burn spot on the door. That experience gave me a healthy respect for natures electricity. We had a few potent thunderstorm’s last week and me, well I sat outside under our all metal patio cover, in a metal chair watching the lightning. I guess at 75, I’m not as scared as I once was. Great read, Nancy.

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    1. Okay, Phil, you need to take care of the body God blessed you with and not tempt fate. Stop being a lightning magnet! If your dear mother was alive, she’d chase you with her infamous Tupperware. She’s extraordinarily lucky she didn’t get zapped when the lighting shot through the kitchen window. Too bad the huge Texas sized steaks (or giant chickens) in your fridge didn’t get flash barbecued-might have been extra tender. Lightning in Texas has to be much bigger and more powerful than lightning in Ohio since everything in Texas is bigger. Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting. Stay safe! 🙂

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    1. Oh, I love your comparison, Priscilla! Believe me, I was praying to our merciful God while those lightning bolts were cracking over my head! Thank you for checking out my blog and taking the time to comment. 🙂

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  20. Nancy, Thank you for all of your encouraging comments. Sometimes your comments get “lost” for some reason. When I find them they may be several days old. Then, when i click “approve”, it disappears! Please keep them coming! May God bless you richly, today!

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  21. This is so extremely well written, Nancy. Using your life experiences (in this case lightning storms) relived in your writings, practical advice for those who might experience something similar. And tying it all together using God’s precious Word.

    I do a fair bit of hiking and trail running. And much like your husband, am always checking the weather. Despite that, have been caught in some dozers’ of storms. Without safe shelter, a couple times I have had to resort to the lightning crouch. Storms fascinate me, but I do have a lot of respect for them. Thank you for sharing. 🙏

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    1. Thank you, Carl, for your kind words and encouraging feedback. Your comments are very much appreciated. Just a couple rainy mornings ago when my husband and I were a mile and a half into our daily three mile walk before the crack of dawn, thunder rumbled. We “raced” home with lightning flashing (no loud cracks) nonstop. Because of the knowledge I had gleaned from writing “Beware of Lightning,” I was petrified-and it was too early to knock on anyone’s door. Enjoy your hiking and trail running! )

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      1. You are very welcome, Nancy. I learned a bit more about electrical storms through a Wilderness & Remote First Aid course many years ago. For me, having that knowledge does make the storms more concerning. Glad you and your hubby made it back home safely. 🙏

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  22. Wonderfully written and informative!

    I grew up in FL and went to UF. That area of the country has one of the highest number of lightening strikes in the US. I have a vivid memory of returning to my 4-story dorm, running as a storm blew in. The temp dropped 20 degrees, the wind swirled and like you described, the first pelting drops appeared. I was 50 feet from the door when lightning hit one of the round gothic turrets at the top. Unimaginably loud booming explosion, a brilliant light that had me seeing spots for an hour. Wow. Think I had some angels watching over me 😎

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    1. Yikes! I agree-you had angels protecting you. If not, your hair would’ve been smoking and your shoes would’ve been dangling from a tree. It’s still frightening to be caught in a storm even if you’re exposed to tons of them as you have been. Thanks for sharing your experience, Darryl. 🙂

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  23. Growing up in Montana, my siblings and I learned to pay attention to the sky for pertinent weather updates. These were the days without instant storm warnings on a mobile device. Nancy, I appreciate how you use Scripture throughout your narrative. God’s peace.

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    1. You must have had some doozy thunderstorms in the wide open spaces of Montana. We use our mobile devices as a guide, but learned the hard way that they can be wrong. I appreciate your opinion about the scriptures I integrate into my posts. They’re a good foundation for a meaningful story-just as they are for your thought-provoking poetry. Thank you for commenting. 🙂

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    1. I’m pleased you found “Beware of Lightning!” inspirational. Hopefully, its tips will help you better know what to do if you’re caught in a storm. Thank you, Amjad, for visiting my blog and sharing your opinion. 🙂

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