St Barbara, Protect Us In Storms

I gave this vintage St Barbara medal to my daughter, who is a student at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, after she made it home after the devastating tornadoes there.  She went to the basement of the library, so she was fine, but my heart breaks today for the people of Joplin, MO and everyone who lost loved ones in Tuscaloosa.


Hence, here's St Barbara - patron of those who need protection in storms.  St Barbara was imprisoned in a tower by her father for her disobedience.  While in the tower, she was converted to Christianity.  When her father found out, he dragged her from the tower and killed her.  In a moment of divine retribution, he was immediately struck by a bolt of lightning and killed himself!  The avenging of her death by lightning led to her association with storms and protecting those who are endangered by them.