I was irritated that the weather was slowing us down again. We were all huddled under a 12×12 pop-up awning when sunlight hit the back of my neck and I knew something wonderful was about to happen. I grabbed a still camera and went running across the lawn, one of my assistants dutifully chasing me with an umbrella.
This photograph was not enhanced in any way. The aura on the monument is from the sun’s reflection, diffused by the rain. The sun and the rainbow are just as they appeared for a few brief moments on that beautiful summer evening.
The Joseph Smith Birthplace is one of my favorite places in the world, and my favorite LDS Church History site. I was born, raised, and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New England. My mother was born and raised in Windsor County, Vermont, just down the road from Sharon, so this area has added meaning for me.
But the most important thing for me about this picture is that I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. Every time I look at this image, I remember one of the great things of God: His Prophet of the Restoration. I also believe that the Lord put us there that day for a reason.
It seems to me that the Heavens are remembering the Prophet Joseph that day as well. The clouds broke, and gave us a brighter day.
So it was with the dark clouds of apostasy, which began to break on 23 December, 1805 as a baby was born on this site who would usher in the Brighter Day of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
John P. Starrs
starrman.com