Margaret Atkinson Preserved from Lightning Strike Through Obedience to Leader

Martha Thomas documented a remarkable preservation of Sister Margaret Atkinson during the journey to Zion. When Brother Sherwood, their leader, advised them to move on without noonday rest at a watering place, one family that included Margaret Atkinson refused to obey. Martha recorded: 'Our beloved sister Margaret, who was back with the family at the water, saw we were starting and thought she would overtake us, as it was lonesome to be so far behind. The sun was very hot. She had a large umbrella she usually carried when walking. When she was about half way between her wagon and the company she noticed a black cloud rising very fast.' A terrible storm with lightning struck exactly where Margaret would have been if she had stayed at the watering place. This preserved the sister and demonstrated the divine protection that came through obedience to priesthood leadership.