WILLARD,Missouri (AP) -- Three mourners at a rural graveside funeral were killed August23rd when they were struck by lightning that crackled down a tree they tookshelter under during a thunderstorm. A witness to the lightning strike said thebolt came down the tree like a "big ball of fire."

Did God kill them?

The first thing that pops into some minds is God was sending a bold message, calling those people home by killing them with a bolt of lightning. They think lightning is the finger of God, reaching from the sky to kill people. It is as though God "calls people home" while they sleep, but "kills people" with lightning. Sounds judgemental, doesn't it? It is. Sometimes people die by doing foolish things. They place a metal ladder against a power line. They read while driving. They bungee-jump from a bridge. They stand under a tree during a thunderstorm. Does God kill people for being stupid? (a judgemental term) No. People put themselves at risk when they should know better. Lightning happens. Sometimes people die. The next time you hear of someone getting hit by lightning, shun the knee-jerk reaction of being judgemental. Pray for forgiveness.

Now, if it is a clear day, without a cloud in the sky and a bolt of lightning splits the heavens and hits someone, that might be another story. - Rod

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• Topic: Reflections

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