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Behind the Photo

By J. Justin Pearce

Driving one morning, I couldn't help but notice a blanket of fog covering Ocean Springs, so I drove to Biloxi and parked at the remains of what used to be my home. I had lived most of my life about 100 feet from the historical Biloxi Lighthouse, and have been a photojournalist for about five years, and had never taken a picture of it. I thought this would be the perfect day.

Standing there, I noticed the sun's rays slowly peeking around the dense fog. I ran to a spot where the sun was directly behind the lighthouse and created my own eclipse, or silhouette, and took several shots before the sun again faded into the fog.After looking at the photo, I began to realize its symbolism. The heavenly light of the sun shone through the dim and dark fog. This light seemed to shine from the lighthouse, the only historical structure left standing in Biloxi and the last lighthouse standing of the more than 10 originally built to mark the Mississippi coastline.

The heavenly light shining from the lighthouse symbolizes the reason for the structure's existence - to send out its welcoming beam to any sailor who might be caught in a storm. Now it also stands as a symbol of rebirth to our communities on the Gulf Coast - for those who lost so much, and for those who suffered so dearly. It reminds us that residents of the Mississippi Gulf Coast have the drive and determination to reforge this beautiful community.

I share this story because I believe I was given the opportunity to take this photograph to offer hope and provide a glimpse into the future we all face. When that day comes, each of us will see the fog of time littered with the rubble of our actions on earth washed away by the light of love and goodness.