Not Photoshopped: Beam of Light Shines on Fallen Soldier’s Miracle Dog

Why not? The universe is a weird and wonderful place, I’m sure stranger things happen every day.

@ David Roche… “Shame”? What are you talking about? What “Shame”?? This is a beautiful story with an even deeper meaning! Funny, how you so freely used the reference to “Christ” when making a derrogatory statement. Justin sent a sign to show there is something after we die. Why can’t people just enjoy a beautiful story and leave their negativity and bitterness elsewhere?

9pm11/24/11
Dear 20/20, ABC News and Kimberly Launier

I always offer all due respect and any benefit of doubt to you (since you are not Murdock’s Fox News) but this photograph appears to be, if not a deliberate fake then an accidental illusion that is being capitalized. Any photographer will recognize the globes of light as minute dust particles on the lens, which creates prism-ike colors. You will notice the globes of light. Those are incidental by dust on the camera’s lens. You will also notice a greater, fuzzier globe of light around the dog which is also incidental to the a dirty lens. This effect was, in years past, deliberately created by vanity photographers by a petroleum salve on the lens. The diffusion of the light creates the washed out effect you see in this picture on the dog. The part of the photograph that makes one particularly question the honesty of the photographer is the fact that on such a cloudy day there would 1) be a hole so distinctly formed in the cloud as to create a sharp shadow by the dog and 2) that the angle of those rays have a focus only a few hundred feet away. The sun’s rays are always, excepting in paintings of Jesus and this photograph are in perfect parallel. This was demonstrated by Eratosthenes centuries before the afore mentioned Jesus.

We have had the memories of our sacrificing sons and daughters sullied by fraudulent praise. This appears to be another one.

Shame

Excellent story and photo!

Amen to Pablum. This is a nice ‘awww’ moment but the parting of clouds and sunlight on the dog was merely coincidental.
You know – the world is not Disneyland.
Some would have us believe it is.
Just say ‘awww’ and let it go at that.

Notice the ORBS in the center of the light. For what this is, go to youtube, or search the book: ORBS. There is a level of life forms now being seen due to high-speed digial cameras. Seriously cool. This is what some ‘beings’ look like without a material body.

I’ve taken and seen tons of photos, one morning with rays of light everywhere through the trees, and they’re spectacular, beautiful, but it’s refraction. But not like this. There is a supernatural quality about those rays. I’m thinking lens flare but never saw a lens flare like that. Photoshop, sure, but I’m going to believe the story. Don’t let the naysayers spoil it for you. I don’t know exactly what it means, some unique sign for troubled souls in troubled times. I’m glad you went out on a limb and published the still. Why is it not news? For the record, I believe your photo but don’t believe the many odd ones I’ve seen come out of Medjugorje, and a lot of those aren’t Photoshop either.

am I reading National Enquirer or ABC News?
this is absolutely pathetic and insulting.

Oh lord. What’s it hurting any of you?

Happy Thanksgiving.

POSTED BY: T | NOVEMBER 24, 2011, 11:19 PM*******Ditto that, T.

Ofcourse this was a sign from Justin I have no doubt about it. I have seeing this very same light before all around me soon after close relatives have passed on to the other side. Justin is trying to tell you all that he is with God now, and it is his way of reassuring you all that he is alright. Whilst at the same time, he is letting you all know that he is also still with you in Spirit, and that he heard what his mother said to the dog Hero. His reply is that no, he is not inside him, but above with God, and that is why he has shone that light down on him from above. So of course you have every right to feel elated, because you have all understood his message very well. May God Bless you all, and so too Justin who is above. This is something you all should celebrate about because he is sending you his love; since he did not get to say goodbye to you all before he died.

All of you people who thinks its so terribe that they put this online and we shuld be more focused on politics, go away. Once ina while a nice story like this can go online. Ifyou have such a big deal with it, mayb you shouldn’t go online. Cuz this kinda thing is going to pop up every day, and you can’t do a thing about it. Nobody wants to here you whine. Happy thankgiving. God bless you all

I have no doubt it was a sign. I have experienced something quite similar after the passing of a loved one.

We hear so many horrible things in the news, so why not something nice for once? Just cause you guys want to be miserable doesn’t mean everyone else does too.

Goosebumps.

Foolish or not in anyone’s eyes, Justin died for something larger than one’s personal opinion or concept. A brother in arms, his sacrifice is something I profoundly respect; his family’s grief, something I feel, though at a great distance. Thank you for the heartwarming story and beautiful photo that doesn’t need to be justified, especially if it was taken while the family was there to have watched the photographer work in their presence. The cynics can say what cynics typically do, I choose to be amazed and be happy for Justin’s parents that they have this photo to cherish.

Hero,distracted by his owners camera, never saw the eighteen wheeler than ran over him.

Have a blessed holiday – believe in something greater than yourself and you will find peace. Posted by: TJ | November 25, 2011, 8:21 am.

I don’t believe in your fairy tale religion and I have found peace. Man invented gods. Knowing that gives me peace. Believe in YOURSELF and you will find peace……………….

least we forget GOD spelled hackwards is DOG….

The reporter said that it was overcast. Really? Why does the dog have a shadow? This is nothing more the the sun shining into the camera’s lens. To the idiot talking about orbs….those are reflections from the glass elements in the lens. See how they are all in a line?

Believe what you want…but you can’t ignore the facts.

If you actually read the article, the author says that the beam of light was there to be seen without the camera. The posted picture was taken after they saw the light beam on the dog. All you naysayers and cynics seem to have a preconceived way of thinking. A negative way.

It’s a Lens Flair. The Sun is hitting the front element of the lens. Beatiful for sure! But not a beam of light.
My sincere gratitude to this brave fallen hero, who made the ultimate sacifice for our country which he most obviously cherished.

It’s funny how atheists’ heads explode anytime a story like this is reported on. What are you so mad about? This is a unique story and just because you folks are miserable in your lives you don’t need to push that on others. Don’t like it, don’t read it, and remain ignorant.

Impossible, not true, against the Bible’ s teachings, false, no one comes back in a dog live or dead!

Thank you Kimberly Launier for sharing this amazing photo and story with your readers.
“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” John 3:21

Dee, there are other places where you could live that might be better for you if you think the U.S. and our citizens are beneath you. So what if people get a little joy from a story? And, for that matter, how dare you not respect the family of a man who died in the name of freedom, YOUR freedom.

I would be happy to take up a collection and move you anywhere else in the world since this country is such a laughingstock to you. Frankly, my dear, none of us give a damn what the rest of the world thinks. But, if you would like to join them and live with them, be my guest.

It is a lovely story. What makes people think they know all about the Universe. It is so sad to hear from those who think they are in total charge. We are basically in charge of two things: our attitude and our faith. Also, if people think the USA is “pathetic” etc., It would be delightful for them to go elsewhere to live. God bless America.

Wow. Are you people serious? ORBS, “is Justin in there?” It’s a dog, nice picture and as one poster said an awww moment but get a life and quit falling for the Ghosthunters crap. What a bunch of lost souls. With this level of intelligence we are doomed.

Lenses refract light.

It’s a miracle!

If I were as cynical and jaded as some of the posters here, I’d jump off the tallest building I could find. Here’s a heartwarming, beautiful story from parents of a fallen hero and all they can think of is getting “even” with the 1% or bashing people who believe in God. Why? Because that is THEIR religion.

@JJACKKV:
They can’t compete.

The bible references dogs specifically as beings that will not be in heaven. This is equivalent to the virgin mary in toast. Yawn.

so sad to read how many very unhappy souls out here, I am so happy I am not one of you, because I have GOD! I am never alone, even in the very difficult moments of life make sense, it is so much easier rather than feeling so empty, bitter, angry! if you want the chance to know about how to feel really good, get a bible, know God, find him, when you are ready find a religion.

I remain dumbfounded at the number of people who take a random occurance of nature and twist it into something with “deep, spirtual meaning.” No wonder our nation is in such a mess; it’s full of foolish, superstitious folk.

I’m always amused reading all the cynical and negative comments. Some are so consumed with anger. But if it makes you feel better in some way to express it in a manner that doesn’t hurt others, then I suppose it’s a good thing.

I was at a friends house that use to watch us after school got out because we were too young to be at home alone. My brother and I may have been in our early teens. Their sone Paul got in to an argument with their mom over whether it was raining or not outside, and he was wanting to go out. He did not want to stay inside on a hot Summer, but very overcast day. The mother said to him, Paul you cannot go out, it is raining, I can hear the rain, and the thunder and he threw open the rear door to the house and within THEIR fenced in YARD it was as dry as a bone…no rain, but rain was pouring on the other three sides of the yard!!! We all stood on the porch in amazement as Paul ran around in the yard saying, “I told you it is not raining, it is a miracle!” There were more than four of us that saw that and we all stood there as Paul ran around in the backyard…with rain in a downpour covering the neighbors yards, while NOT ONE DROP of the rain fell in their yard. It rained like that for at least ten minutes, then the yard was completely rained on just like the neighbors yards, and Paul came in soaking wet. Hahaha

Its interesting some immediately focus on the cynical. As one who serves the public I see that cynicism far too frequently. For trained eyes look past the dog,” For those that believe can see.”

Awesome story. Yes, our government’s a mess but the story’s about a fallen solder and his dog. So many complaining about this story, I must be one of the few that wasn’t somehow forced to read this story. Happy Holidays to those who get it. Bah Bedbugs for those who don’t.

I’m always amazed at some of the comments regarding “human interest” stories like. Some folks seem to think we should “always” be focused on the negative issues, for them there is no room for a story that brings comfort, joy and hope to families that have lost a loved one. Nor do these naysayers show tolerance for viewpoints that conflict with theirs. Some seem to think this isn’t news and has no place in the media. What a sad commentary on the human condition when we can not accept Human Interest stories as relevant. We need more positive, hopeful stories to give us the strength and courage to deal with the continued Chaos currently enveloping us. To appreaciate how others cope with loss, overcome tragedy, find a beam of light in sorrow should be a beacon for all of us. We truly do need to believe there is a light at the end of the tunnel, not a train. Otherwise what is the point of life?

Awesome story, thank you for sharing. It’s refreshing to see something positive and uplifting in a world where the angry haters believe it is normal to disparage an innocent article about a special family..

@David Roche.. The shame seems to be that you have lost your humanity and sense of wonderment. I’m sure you have it all figured out, don’t you?

For the “hate America first” crowd here using this story as a pulpit to preach how much they hate this country, unlike many countries in the world, in this one you are allowed to leave if you so desire. Maybe you should align your actions with your words and relocate to a land you do not despise.

If you cannot find one, I have some rope you can use and a good selection of rafters that can support heavy loads.

Either way, quit your incessant whining, you spoiled ingrates.

I love it how atheists prove God’s words true while in the very act of shaking their little e-fists at Him:

2 Timothy 3: 1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:  2  For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3  unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,  4  traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  5  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  6  For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,  7  always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Hero?

Hardly. These “soldiers” are more like traitors.

Our country, America, has NEVER been attacked. Even Hawaii was not a state until nearly 20 years after Pearl Harbor, and yet stupid American “soldiers” go fight, in illegal, undeclared wars, just because politicians told them to go fight. Treasonous behaviour at best.

So, not only did these “soldiers” follow lawless orders to go to war, but now their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will have to spend the next 80 years paying for the illegal war’s tax bill. So, these soldiers just committed their (our) future generations to slavery in order to pay back world bankers for illegal wars.

Great Brittan just recently paid off World War I, some 80 years later.
America is still paying for several wars, like the phony Vietnam war. Even the government now admits Gulf of Tonkin was not attacked, so all those men fought and died for a fraud, and still the Vietnam vets do nothing about all their comrades dying for nothing.

One of the founding fathers of the US said, If your children owe debts from the previous generation, they are slaves.

Generations of American “soldiers” are idiots.
American taxpayers are not much better.
America has over 150 military bases in other countries. All paid for with tax money. OUR TAX MONEY (ie LABOR).
Does America even have 150 bases within the USA? We are being used as tax suckers.

GOOGLE EXCLUDED INCOME
Ignorance of the law is no excuse for treason against our own children and grand children.

Isn’t it amusing and interesting how many of these cynical posters dismiss, demean, and make fun of people who are Christians, and belittle them for their faith, and then in the next breath indicate their “belief” in the pagan religion of global warming. I wonder if they have any idea how bizarre this is?

Totally fake. How can a light coming in behind the dog wash out the front of the dog? It can’t.

@ZFDHGZDF

Yeah, it’s funny how many of us are “traitors” and “slaves” as you say, and it’s also very sad and disgusting how many of us are miserable, ingrates – the progeny of the greatest nation in the world’s history that spit upon the blessing they’ve been given like you.

Tot those who have only spiteful comments to make I say to you; Whatever your beliefs are, is it really too hard to allow the loved ones who are grieving a little empathy and respite from their loss? Is it really too hard to understand that little moments like this can assuage hurt , anger guilt, and sorrow, if only for a brief moment? Should you have passed would you not want your loved ones to be left with something to smile for, rather than feeling heart broken over and over again?By posting your inane and spiteful comments here, you are only confirming to yourselves what we and the rest of the intelligent world have figured out…your losers. Come into the globe filled, dust particled light, and set yourselves free.

of course its the liberals/dems who are the naysayers. they dont think this is news because they live miserable lives. they want just miserable news covered and will demand it,,,just like our government. control the media is their mantra. what? godd news is news? go live in your miserable cave and let the light shine on us and the dog!

“Odd” how so many of these posters ridicule and sneer at their CHRISTIAN American fellow-travellers, yet would “never think of” doing the same thing to a Buddhist, Hindu, (or, heaven forbid) – a Muslim!!

Wow. All these so-called and self-proclaimed Christians attacking anyone who doesn’t ‘see god’ in this photo really proves just who the intolerant, hateful, narrow-minded and judgmental ones are………..

I like others are amazed at some of the hurtful nasty comments on a beautiful story such as this. some people have nothing better to do than live their lives in a constant mad and angry state. You know what, if you dont like a story like this then dont read it. If all you want to do is hate then dont read it. I truly believe there is negative forces out there and that some of these people online are part of that. when ready a story like this we dont want to hear about politics, we dont want to hear about 99%,we dont want to hear about thoughts on religion, we dont want to hear about technical reasons and we dont want to see a reporter and network bashed for trying to bring a wonderful story to light on thanksgiving.

To all of you angry, bitter people who are now going so far as to even criticize the publication of an innocent, touching story , I challenge you to prove that this WAS NOT a sign from God. Can’t do it, can you? Searamble has it backwards. As in most cases, it is the so-called and self-proclaimed “intelligent,” “logical,” “rational” athiests attacking anyone who sees or acknowledges the hand of God, proving that it is the athiests that are the intolerant, hateful, narrow-minded and judgmental ones.

People will believe the stupidest things. Hey, wanna buy a bridge?

Beautiful imagery. I’m glad some were comforted by it.
I think it’s kind of cool. The cynics, like the poor, are always with us. Like a clock that has stopped, the cynics may be right twice a day. I still delight in the physical beauty of the image and have the room to acknowledge I don’t know everything. I lack the arrogance to think that all should think as I do.

Just goes to show we are all connected…all forms of life…perhaps by some spiritual plan which is much bigger than any of us can comprehend.

nice picture…even though that is a reflection off the lens, and not a ray on the dog. It’s trick photography. Unless the sun casts it’s spectrum in separation, something mechanical split the rays. Look at the Dark side of the moon.

THAT BEING SAID…. it is a beautiful moment, and my heart goes out to the Soldier’s Family, All Fallen Heroes, wherever they may have fallen, and to America, herself.

~james

Whether or not you want to “see God” or “see a sign” in this picture is entirely based on your worldview. However, if you have something cynical to say about this pic and take the time to post it(around the Thanksgiving holiday no less), then you are what’s wrong with the world today. Curiously, you never hear about anyone praising Allah or giving thanks to Allah for anything other than carnage. However, Christians are all to eager to give praise to Jesus or God(Yahweh) for something like this.

Jesus himself could appear and get photographed and people still wouldnt believe it or would be insulted. Knock it off people. recognize a solumn moment when it happens. This is a wonderful thing for someone who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

@Jere

Pretty sure you wouldn’t say that to a soldier. If you would I hope someone records it and puts it up on the net.

Good Day

What a sad state of affairs this country is in based on these comments. To anyone who has lost a loved one especially trying to protect the vital interests of this country – I am sorry. Instead of being divided and blaming everyone for everything, it would be nice if for once we could work together to figure out how to get out of this $15 trillion debt trap and make sure this country stays safe. Instead we are supposed to believe these angry bitter people are the heart of America, the people who make it work and prosper. Sadly, we will cut off our nose to spite our face in the name of blame.

By the way, if you take issue with this post, you’re a turd.
Posted by: Newoblaen | November 25, 2011, 12:42 pm.

“Judge not, lest ye be judged”. Turd, see thyself……………….

stevenm: ”why does the dog have a shadow?” REALLY stevenm???You have to ask a question such as that? Are you a graduate of govt.schools or what? Liberalism truly is a mental disorder…
and TJ-I see what you did too.

I can’t fathom why this article and photo draws the trollish crowd. The “shame” is the people who are so hyperfocused on the bad, they can’t even allow others to enjoy a moment of good. The reported said nothing about orbs, it’s a commentary about the beautifully stunning beam of light that came through the clouds at a fantastic moment. The timing is amazing, and there’s no way around it. You can wallow in your miserable opinions all you like, but your comments here are unnecessary, unless your purpose is to try spreading your negativity to the memory of a fallen American hero, and the small comforts his family found at a difficult time.

I think nature made a spectacular tribute at just the right moment, coincidental or not.

A golden beam of light rises vertically from me in a photograph that my friend, King, took of me during a visit to my mother and father’s final resting place in Colma, California next to San Francisco.

I had earlier explained to King that whenever I visited my parents’ gravesite, I felt an energetic charge surging upwards from the grassy knoll on which I stood before the marble marker rising through me into the Heavens above.

That afternoon as I prayed looking down, I was unaware that King was taking my picture. The next day, he called me and told me that he had taken this amazing shot and he gave it to me.

What I see in the photograph is precisely what I have experienced many times during my frequent visits to mom and pop. The vertical yellow beam is a perfect shoulder-to-shoulder column of light rising on a perfect 90 degree vertical axis from the ground.

Such an awesome story!! No doubt that Justin is watching over his entire family, including his puppy. THose of you who are making comments about “capitalizing on it” or “trick-photography” or “focusing on what’s important” no one force you to be here! No one said that the shot legitimizes/illigeitimized the war or “prove God is on our side” until you felt the need to bring it up. That’s what the real shame is.
Just let his family enjoy this precious miracle that their son sent them. This is beautiful shot. I think that this has to do with nothing more than the relationship between parents and their son it knows no bounds! Instead of hating lets all just br thankful for what we have, and be open minded about it. No one has to believe that it is really Justin, but please just allow others to do so, if it being them some measure of comfort. I’m not completely sure, but I think I may have seen Justin’s image on the left in the image. Either way what a great story! GOd bless!!

Good for you Charlie, & Huberto “get lost-you don’t get it & never will-sounds t/me as if you don’t have a soul. Maybe you should sign up to go into the war zone-that guy is a hero-no one needs or WANTS your 2 cents worth.
GOD BLESS our Military-2 & 4 legged——-you, NOT so much. :)

TO SEARAMBLER who wrote in reply to me….”LOL! Really? You wonder why atheists don’t collectively just ‘blow our brains out’? Wow. Talk about misguided. Did it ever occur to you that we don’t commit suicide precisely because this IS all we get? And we want to enjoy it while we can? Yes, living is going to lead to pain, to loss, and to all sorts of discomfort. So what? It’s called LIFE. Is your life so pathetic that you cannot overcome those things without faith in some unknown mythical afterlife? Life is its own reward. Enjoy it while you got it, because it’s all you get……….” I am trying to follow the logic of this. You live this life….good, bad, kind, cruel, happy, sad….it doesn’t matter, because when you die, it’s OVER. You become no more consequential than a puff of smoke. You are totally finished. There is nothing to remember, because you are totally gone. You didn’t exist before you were born, and you don’t exist in any fashion after you die. So, what is the point of life? As an atheist, there can be no point to life. Will you work hard to make things better for others? Maybe volunteer to build wells in Africa so they have clean water and don’t suffer? Why? Once all those suffering people die, according to you they become nothing and they too won’t exist to remember their life. In your world, the life of Mother Theresa is just as meaningless as the life of Hitler. Atheism has got to be the most illogical existence there is, because it says your own existence can never have any meaning. Compare your life to the criminal on the cross who at the last minute received Christ’s forgiveness and was told by Christ that he would soon be with him in Heaven. A life of crime forgiven due to his one act of kindness toward Christ. Now, do you truly believe there is nothing after death, or are you simply spouting this off to be “cool”? Well, being cool, or being square, doesn’t matter, because according to you, absolutely no human emotion or character trait has any relevance whatever.

Goodness, how stupid can you be. This is called “glare”. You get it when you shoot into the sun. (Well, the sun was above, slightly to the left.)

The miracle of modern optics! Why are religious people so stupid?

P.s. Clean your lens.

All the hateful comments here make me heartbroken. I wonder if you people were also commenting on how absurd things like the Micheal Jackson case being in national media were as well. Regardless of your religious belief, this story is light hearted and sweet. I don’t see anything wrong with a little joy in the news every now and then. Seriously, you all mean-spirited people need to lighten up and find something better to do with your time.

To all those who have tried to explain away this beam of light, please re-read the story. The timeline is 1. Saw beam of light 2. Took picture 3. Saw same beam of light in picture. It is not, 1. Saw nothing, 2. Took picture, 3. Found beam of light in picture. Forget the beam of light for a second, and take any other object. For example, you don’t generally NOT see Bob, then take a picture, and suddenly find Bob in the picture. Yeah, if he had not FIRST SEEN the light with his own eyes, and then taken the picture and found the light you might want to explain it away, BUT that is not how it happened. So, the only way it can be explained away is to call the photographer a liar, and say he did NOT first see the light before photographing it.

An obviously doctored photo. If she wants a willing audience she should look for a spot on CBN.

The only thing that matters is that this picture gave comfort to the family who lost a son too early and too young-it’s a beautiful picture!!!!

It is a LENS FLARE, if the photographer had stepped a meter to the left or right or forward the “beam of light” would not be so pronounced. ABC News is a joke, two words: Katie Couric, please tell me with a straight face she is worth paying 40 MILLION dollars for when she couldn’t even help CBS?

There is clearly the image of a man in the background. There is a barely visible face that seams to be hovering about 8 feet above the dog. I blew it up 4 x the size and I could make out an entire body. It’s clearly huge and appears to have some sort of armor. It even looks like there is a sword or something in the hand. If you have paint or any other image editing program, check it out! It’s mind blowing.

Beautiful pic. Wonderful story. I can’t believe all the negative comments. If you don’t have anything nice to say…shut up! Do us all a favor! Thanks! ☺☺☺

Obviously the camerawoman is religious. Most normal folks would immediately look for a scientific reason for this happening, but the religious immediately relate everything they don’t understand to their religion and say it was an act of God. I would bet that she did not have a sun shield on her camera and that this is nothing more than a sun-flare caused by the sunlight refreacting when hitting the optics of the camera. This is one of the all too common “feel good” stories that take the place of real reporting. Time to boycott the news since they obviously don’t want to report real news.

Awe inspiring. fantastic. Thank you for bringing to the world.

As a human being I loved the story and I am appalled at the negitive comments here. As a NAVY VET I LOVED the story and I am torn on the negitive comments. Let me explain: I fought for and defended this country and it’s liberties we all enjoy. Some gave everything as Justin did here to protect those liberties. So when I read how someone is using those liberties to hurt others or for some negitive purpose I get very, very upset. I did not protect those liberties so they could be used in such a negitive way or used against others. But I have to honestly ask myself, can I turn the other way when I see people abusing or wasting the liberties that a few others help safeguard and defend. I see it as a insult and slap to the face for the small few who gave some and the fewer who gave all, includng their lives!! But I also have to respect that this is a person’s choice and I have to abide by that choice. So all you negitive people out there complaining about a nice story to see for a change. Keep in mind there are people who feel towards you as you do to others.

In a nation that has taken to denying God so quickly, is it any wonder that this country is going to hell? Are we not a nation that was founded so we could choose which religion we want? Why is it that this nation is being forced to bend to the views and wishes of Atheists? Who says God did not give us the tools and the ability to learn and discover the scientific theories you cling so tightly to? The next time you deny God, don’t be so surprised when your life doesn’t turn out the way you want it to. Who says God didn’t part the clouds to give that family (and the rest of us) a small sign of hope and beautiful comfort? Who are YOU to deny the existence of Christ???

And as for you America haters, there are two countries bordering us. It appears the easiest one to cross is to the South so HAVE AT IT!

I’ve been an atheist for 30 years. The d-bag commenters here are making me reconsider that stance.

If I’m on your side, then I must be doing it wrong.

To the parents: what it may be and what it may not be.Both Christians and Jews, the Bible and the Torah, agree,there is no re-incarnation and the spirits of humans cannot occupy other species. Procreating w/ other species is also taboo. We are also forbidden to participate in Necromancy which is highly punishable and that we have but a single life on earth and a permanent afterlife in either Heaven or Hell.

The reason we don’t know where our loved ones go is because that dimension, that veil is permanent and impermeable. When the flesh ‘dies’, the spirit yet lives. God decides where. There are many stories of God’s grace following a death. Any ‘visitation’ by any spiri, apart from God’s Spirit is forbidden. There are visitations by of course unclean spirits which torment people.
The photo appears to show the white light, Matthew 1:2.
The better news: There are others who have photographed shapes of light appearing. They are signs. Yes, there are signs around us daily and yes we mostly miss them or fail to line them up and test them and can very easily walk into deceptions unimagined.
The Lord said there would be miracles, signs and wonder following His assertion to Heaven. We loosely say, signs that make you wonder. We disagree on interpretation but what occurred is certainly real. But what is it? I was surprised to see the dog is indeed a black dog, yet appears white in the light. There is the imitation of His Light. The earthly light we know and the imitation from Hell fails to turn black to white. Cherish your photo, believe there most certainly is life after death, specifically eternally we shall live in Heaven or Hell.
Consider your interpretation. Biblicaly this light appears to be very Heavenly, a sign, a signal, a comforting to the living. We observe responses to prayers and anguish of the heart, to deep love..
Do not be dismayed that when Hero dies, your beloved son will also die or go to an unknown object or animal or human. Your son already lives,but not here. God alone created souls and He alone is in charge of them.
Read ” Visions Beyond The Veil ” and ” Heaven and the Angels “, both by missionary to China, H.A. Baker. Accounts of remote, illiterate children who could neither read books or speak other languages and so could not have heard that other people in other natons in other languages experienced 1000′s of miles away..
Truly a wonderful picture. It’s impact is alongside the picture of Hero, a very black dog..

Not Photoshopped, my ass!

I’m a pro photographer of 30+ years; I’ve shot literally miles of 35mm, square miles of sheet film and thousands of gigabytes of digital. That shaft of light is NOT common lens flare, I guarantee! So if the author’s claim of sans Photoshop is true, then they did indeed capture a paranormal event.

As for the atheistic hater – let it be known that aheists common in one of two flavors, sometimes mixed together. Those whose ego’s are WAY too large and those whose bitterness has overcome their potential for transcendence. Get a clue, the world doesn’t need your hatefulness, nor your spite.

How miserable most humans are these days, I am happy for the peace these people felt and all the negative people can just wallow in their misery for all I care. How ugly humans can be is amazing.

That shaft of light is NOT common lens flare, I guarantee! So if the author’s claim of sans Photoshop is true, then they did indeed capture a paranormal event.
Posted by: Mark | November 25, 2011, 3:26 pm.

YOU guarantee it? Because YOU have never personally gotten that particular shot effect, you GUARANTEE that it is a paranormal event? Wow. You want us to take ON FAITH that what you say here is the truth. Amazing…………

Matthew 17:20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Posted by: Golfendude | November 25, 2011, 3:25 pm.

Problem is, even the Believers cannot move mountains by simply telling them to move. Matt was using an allegory. Basically saying if you believe in his god then you can do anything. Which is patently false………….

TO: Searambler SUBJECT: Things you do not need to care about as an atheist. Global Warming should be of no concern, because even if it becomes hellishly hot on Earth and leads to the death of all mankind it makes no difference, because once they are dead, according to atheism, there is nothing to be remembered. So whether the planet they left was an Eden or a Hell, makes no difference. You should not be concerned with domestic violence against spouses or children because….drum roll please….once they are dead however much they suffered will be extinguished along with them. You should not be concerned with any wars that occur because…ta da…it just hastens along the time some soldiers and civilians die and their existence prior to death becomes meaningless. In summary, you should not care about your life, or the lives of anyone else, because you are worrying about something that will have no effect on you or those you are worrying about once you die. As an atheist, in short, you live a life that no matter how meaningful you think it is now, will cease to have any meaning with your last breath, and the last breaths of all those about whom you are worrying. Now, if that isn’t a frustrating existence, I don’t know what is!

it does not matter who believes and who does not believe, This was a message/gift to the family. This is just for them and gives them comfort. Everyone else does not matter in this case. I am happy for the family and hope this helps their grieving.

If you don’t like living in America and you think beautiful stories like this is idiotic you have the right to move to another Country! Posted by: mattsmom63 | November 25, 2011, 3:46 pm.

LOL! Mom, who said anything about not liking living in America?!?!? I LOVE living in America. America is a great place, in spite of the people who try to tell me how to live my life – like the religious types here, for example. Most Christians are pretty decent people most of the time, but they can be downright nasty to people who don’t believe what they believe. They act very un-Jesus-like while telling everybody what a great ‘true believer’ they are. In other words, they’re hypocrites…………..

JOHNDD:
“Things you do not need to care about as an atheist. …As an atheist, in short, you live a life that no matter how meaningful you think it is now, will cease to have any meaning with your last breath, and the last breaths of all those about whom you are worrying. Now, if that isn’t a frustrating existence, I don’t know what is!”

Actually, if one beleives that THIS LIFE is all there IS, there is an incredible incentive to work towards making it as GOOD and ENJOYABLE as possible. Quite unlike the view of one who believes it is merely a brief, temporary existance prior to an eternal life in a perfect “Heaven”; in which case there is little incentive to work to improve things HERE, since here is not “real” or meaningful. Such reasoning has been used for thousands of years to pacify the oppressed and abused into accepting their lot in life and holding out hope of something better beyond. (As Reagan’s Sec. of the Interior once noted, why worry about protecting the environment since Jesus is coming back soon?)

If this world is the only one, you’d better believe people would be motivated to make it as positive as they can and protect it for future generations. On the other hand, those who believe in an imminent “Armageddon” have zero incintive to care about the planet or its inhabitants.

As for this photo and story, if it comforts people to take random, coincidental events as “signs” confirming their faith, fine. Whatever gets you through the night. (Though I find it a bit odd that the woman seems to think her son is IN the dog????)

I happen to believe we DO go on after physical death, but I don’t see the belief that we don’t as nihlistic or depressing; I knew a biochemist once who said that everything was just biomass, and I actually find that a very beautiful, meaningful image of the universe and life….just energy and matter eternally changing forms and consciousness an accidental by-product. So what? If we DON’T live on, we’ll never know the difference anyway. We may as well enjoy it while it lasts, right? What an amazing privilege to be a part of it!

Lens flare. Right. She saw it with the naked eye before she took the photo. @pablum and the rest of you bitter cranks can take a hike. For cying out loud if you have nothing good to say about a feel good story you should take up binge drinking and call it a life.

Lens flares are different than orbs, and there is a bit of science around that. The photos of amazing orb presences taken at GZ were taken without flashes or artificial light and orbs were first discovered by many professional photojournalists there, and who were brought to certain specific areas of the attacks months after to photograph as certain “events” were being noticed there by local residents. The ones I took will never be made public they are only for me and those who were with me. So, I must ask, who are the 6 others who passed on who were close to this solider?

It is stories like these that make we wonder if anyone has ever read the Bible at all. Once you pass over the great divide..there is NO coming back here…there is not a halfway stop along the way. Once you take your last breath and leave your body you are at once either in the presence of God. Perfection, grace, holiness, purity, and peace. or in a much warmer place…there is no coming back..there is no levitating tables or rapping behind pictures of dead loved ones or beams of light emanating from a dead loved one down onto dogs. The rich man couldn’t come back to warn his brothers…of the hell fire to come. And why would anyone who was seeing God face to face even want to come back to this earth with all it’s ugliness. The beam of light could be a sign from heaven..but it was not from Justin himself..or it could be a sign from the evil one..who comes as an angel of light to lead people astray…..or it could just be a natural phenomenon.

Lets not forget the air headed idiots who call themselves 99% and advocate the same policies and corrupt WH politicians that are sending the world into chaos, as we speak.

When a person can no longer be moved by a story of simple, poignant beauty, he has reached a bitter nadir from which there is no return. It matters not whether you believe in the spiritual message; the devotion of that precious dog is reason enough to be moved. I hope I never become so jaded that nothing touches my heart anymore. I feel sorry for some of you.

I think its a great story! Most news stories are negative and its nice to have a positive every once in a while!

Would anyone care to trade their cow for my magic beans? Or better yet, I’ve got some ocean front property in Arizona I can sell you.

Fred, so who did you buy your magic beans and oceanfront property from?

All of you idiots that are whining about this picture, I wonder if your panties would be in a wad if the picture was of the Kenyan con-man. There would probably be a tingle going up your legs then, huh?
Hypocrites…..

This is a still photograph from a film? Can’t wait to see the film.

I’m surprised the atheist’s can even see the light.

Dog shadow not perfectly in line with light, missed by a good 10 degree, sun rays not paralel and should have been at ground level … good try, but still a photoshop FAIL.

Come on people, there are good hope stories out there, who needs to absolutely believe lies.

What’s with you people? Why must everything be turned into something other that what is being discussed? Why is it that what is good and right for someone be torn apart. Make a statement- gee that is cool – or I have a hard time accepting that – but let it go at that instead of going off on some tangent about other things in the world. For cripe sakes we have enuf crap going on in the world that is on a down side of things – why make more. Just let it go and let it be what it is for the people involved. There is a right and a wrong place for political and religious comments.

Any person that has a negativity about this photo of the soldier and his dog….you have NO heart, and shame on you. Why do you have to put down? This was one of OUR boys that died while protecting YOU. Let people believe and think what they want. I believe Justin is in his best friend standing there, telling his parents and friends…”don’t worry…I’m here with you”.
I thought it was awesome.

This is a wonderfully mystery that has baffled mankind for centuries. What is the true meaning of life? Is it the comfort that a ray of sun shining on a beautiful animal representing his fallen master? Or is it that fraud in the White House trying to convince us he is Diety.? I’ll take the Dog every time.

The beam of light is caused by light refraction. The sun is hitting the lens of the camera causing a flare. Nothing magical about it. The seven dots are the seven elements of the lens.

All these negative comments need to stop. Shows me what a nation of cynical fools I live with. Let us respect and enjoy this story in peace.

Though I firmly acknowledge that my own comment would not be an exception, I believe these news articles need to disable the ability to post comments.

Flare in the lens is not a miracle.

It’s a PITA except when you are hawking phony religious phenomena to justify an unjustifiable war. I expect Iraqis get flare in the lens too.

Idiots.

This is a nice touching story, and a refreshing break from the typical bad news. What a shame that libs like pablum are so bitter that they can’t see good in this. Lighten up and you will enjoy life more.

My freedom has nothing to do with killing people in Iraq.

I love dogs,, but if a skunk had been in the yard at that moment it would have been the skunk that got shiny.

“God” had better get busy with those beams of light for all those Iraqis who have been killed.

He/she/it certainly is not exclusively on the side of any one nation.

judging from these comments you’d think this was another flash mob video.

All of your comments remind me why I HATE people. God bless our fallen soldiers.

Matt, well he ain’t gonna love you if you hate people.

I read a lot of the comments from earliest to latest….. and clearly this is a beam from a UFO

“Americas become the laughing stock of the world” ? really. Gee last time I checked the US was the country that much of the world risk there lives to get to. I can’t recall a single person that EVER swam to Cuba. Or (unless evading the law) risked there lives and the lives of their families, crossing treachourous, deserts to get INTO Mexico. Take your self-loathing attitude towards what is the greatest county on earth, and wake up. You are aware that unlike many countries, you are free to leave this one. Why not try your hand at one of the more enlightend countries, like Iran, or Egypt. I’m sure you will find them very open and accepting of: You, Homosexuals, Transvestites, Mentaly challenged, Paris Hilton, etc. It’s Amazing to me that you can look at people living metal shacks all over the world, and call us a laughing stock. Check the stat’s, our pooresrt are fat, most have a car, most a flat screen. No one should be poor, but if theres anyplace to be poor it’s in the U.S. Your Professors are lieing to you. Look around and think for yourself.

This is what news has been degraded too. Glad I can take a picture and a bunch of people think you live after you die biologically.

Obviously there are a number of morons in this country who have decided to put their faith only in Government and the jackasses that represent it.The day will come when the circle comes around and teaches them a sad lesson they will never recover from!

I have a cheese sandwich that looks like Obama for sale on EBay.

I see some posters here have decided to spew their hatred and negativity, and their political disgruntlement. Can not you just accept a story of hope and good, without having to bring in the negative news? There is enough negativity in the news, why not a positive spiritual one for a change. What is wrong you hateful, miserable people, man. Lighten up!

Republicans ALWAYS believe God is a Republican.

But then my cat always believes God is a cat.

“Physics dude. Those “orbs” are refraction in the lens elements.”

Apparently physics is not your strong point. Orbs CAN be created by dust particles or water droplet, NOT “refraction in the lens elements.” Nice try. Unfortunately for you I don’t fall for nice sounding baloney. Getting back to REALITY, if it were caused by dust then the orbs would be randomly scattered, not in a straight line as seen in the photo. Same goes for water droplets.

What a beautiful and inspiring story, thank you to the reporter for sharing it, God bless you to Justin’s family and Hero, I hope you continue to take courage and find peace in the promises of God.

To some of the rest of you, I see stereotying on all sides. I love Jesus and I would be considered a progressive liberal on a lot of issues, including the Iraq war. But this story isn’t at all about politics and the morality of our governments actions. It’s about Justin and his sacrifice while doing what he believed was right, and a reminder of our hope that loving relationships cannot be destroyed or broken by death.

This is a small article, I don’t believe it was a miracle. But whether it was, or it was caused by physics doesn’t really matter to. . Maybe we can read and enjoy this and still be involved in politics. I can. But that would mean you can’t see things only in their extreme. And would require mental compromise.

Tilt the camera lens toward the sun and the whole world completely freaks. Simpletons…

What a wonderful story! God bless Justin and his family (and the dog) all the people who commented on this story. It’s truly magic to see something like this. Thanks for posting and reporting on it ABC.

No miracle, just a ridiculous distraction from the hell going on we’d better prepare for, instead of watching sunlit dogs. What a bunch of fools. And, what a terrible waste of a young man’s life, snuffed out in a foolish war for corporate and government interests who use our precious young men and women as cannon fodder. Each war brings less freedom to the U.S.A. and more money and power for those who supply the weapons and the government and media warmongers who push the wars on the American sheep.

What distraction Abbey? Just believe…. it will all work out. Everything happens for a reason. With GOD anything is possible.

Ironic that the people who most support this “miracle” of a shaft of light, are the same ones who think it was justified to send this young man to his death in a false war.

Hey, have you considered, he’d be alive if not for your approval of a God-crazed president?

Does anyone ever wonder why it is that the Godless people are so hateful and unhappy? We are not allowed a moment of happiness or joy because those people will downgrade it to something that is ridiculous or stupid. Miracles do happen and God is real as is Jesus Christ. If you don’t believe it I hope that someday you will. I hope the family of Justin Rollins and Hero have a wonderful Christmas season.

Believe what Max, in a lens flare? I’m a Christian, and my Bible says it is a wicked and foolish generation that seeks for a sign. I don’t have to see a lens flare to know God is real in my life. but I do know my God hates the murder of innocents for empire, greed, and power. And, I find it reprehensible that my fellow Americans know more about “Dancing With the Stars” and football scores than know where all the countries we’ve attacked are located. Most brain dead, TV addicted Americans could not care less about the death and mayhem we’ve brought to innocent families in countries on the other side of the globe.

I followed this beautiful story and when I saw it linked to ABC I knew all of trashy filthy Liberals would be mocking it and turning it into something ugly much like themselves. unfortunately I was right on the money.

Jesus Christ people, get a grip! this is just a ray of light from a break in the clouds and it caused a lens flare because it entered the camera lens at a weird angle and bounced around inside the lens, the small circles you see in the center is just the shape of the camera’s aperture repeated over and over.

my dad took a picture of me and it had orbs. am i the chosen one?

The name for this phenomenon in Chinese literally means “Jesus Light” because old paintings of Jesus so often contained it.

It happens often and is more easily seen and photographed in seascapes under a cloudy sky but it can happen anywhere. The very point about coincidences is that they are coincidences.

“I guess when a shaft of light shines on Obama, all the Republicans here will change their views and become Democrats.” — Posted by: Weneedrevenue | November 25, 2011, 10:07 pm 10:07 pm

When hell freezes over or when Obama wins another 4 years, whichever comes first, weeniecrat. Or were you just being humorously sarcastic?

Lens flare enhanced by flare from window or glass door. I’ve seen more astonishing things in my years as a photographer. *YAWN* Next.

Doubters!

Argus, you are right. Also: “Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former.” -Albert Einstein.

It’s pretty easy to spot the miserable people in this crowd, isn’t it?

While it’s a sweet story, that is a LENS FLARE, not a halo of light. A videographer or photographer should know the difference. You people watch way to many dramatized movies and programs.

If you look closely directly above the middle of the dog, you will see the outline of the soldier.

i see what you mean claudia….

I love messing with dumb-dumbs. good night heathens. sleep well.

Remember, there are no atheists in foxholes!

Apparently nobody knows what lens flare is. And this is news? A simple trip to Wikipedia could have cleared this up.

It was a beam of light that shined on a dog. As much as Justin’s parents want to believe it means something, it doesn’t. It was a beam of light on a dog.

Wow, so many people are hung up on the things that do not last. Do you really believe that the only things that are news worthy are the things which are temporary? This life is but a blink of an eye. What’s really important is that which lies beyond. Every now and then we get a gentle reminder that there is a “beyond”. Pay attention to those reminders. This life will soon be gone, and when it is, you wont give a rats ass about the state of the financial affairs in the US or the world. <3

Omg to the people who are being negative about this, seriously? Lighten up, you all complain about the world being a messed up place but look at yourselves, its people like you who make it how it is, so how about you all just keep your mouth’s shut, learn some respect, and stop being so negative. Didn’t you ever learn to not say something if it isn’t right? Happy Holidays

Light is what carries the communications you see here on the internet and communication through you brain. So, was light communicating something here?

TO: mxysptlk, republicanlie, brandon, lexman, kim, pablum, etc etc etc……………you guys run the same old (YAWN-BARF) talking points….America evil, unjustified war, no such thing as God, evil rich blah blah blah…..so we should all bow down at your altar of self indulgence and negativity….to your “free thinking” “highly enlightened” self-important emply heads and empty hearts……..thanks but NO THANKS. If you want to live your sad lonely lives with NOTHING ever positive…..knock yourselves out but spare us “your pearls of wisdom”………….nobody’s buying it but YOU!

well. great. i think this one beats jesus on a toast.

Oh good grief…all the ones with negative comments….you will see the truth one day.

This republic is in deep dog poop and ABC should answer the door theres’ a burning bag of poop on your stoop. I think this story may be in it…..

I am Athiest, but I think the photo is touching. So what if you don’t believe in Christianity. Religion doesn’t matter. The fact that they thought it was a sign from their loved one gave them happiness.

It’s great to see one another happy. Leave religion out of this and just feel glad for someone else for once in your life.

I just love it when something that’s claimed to not be Photoshopped is posted as a small, 478 pixel wide image so it can’t be analyzed with any degree of certainty. It was allegedly taken by a professional news reporter, who would most likely be using a very expensive, top quality camera. Why can’t I click on it for the full res version?

I think it’s really sad how miserable people have become and spewing their nasty, negative comments regarding this story. Why can’t you just take a moment and enjoy it without trying to tarnish it. If you didn’t like it, move on instead of trying to pass your negativeness onto other people and perpetuating the already sad situation that has become the U.S.

… would softly pet her face and coo, “Justin, are you in there?”

Is she retarded? Is this news? superstition? Haven’t we evolved out of this as a culture? This crap is for third worlders.

“Justin sent a sign to show there is something after we die. Why can’t people just enjoy a beautiful story and leave their negativity and bitterness elsewhere?”

So, some bible thumper can claim this as a mircle of “gawd” is proof that the bible is real? Just because something happens doesn’t mean it ia “bibical sign” just something we don’t understand ……

Amber, personally I would not have sent him to be killed in the first place. It’s very noticeable that those of you who believe Hod came them a lens flare consolation prize are the ones who supported him being sent to kill Iraqis in the first place.

“Remember, there are no atheists in foxholes!”

There wouldn’t be anyone in fox holes if you “Christians” hadn’t sent them there.

I truly feel sorry for the skeptics and the dark paths they walk through life. They, of course, do not want our pity. They do not need anybody, they captain their own souls. And so I make the sign and cross to the other side and bask. It is wonderful!

Wow. I can be having a bad day and all I have to do is read some of the comments on here and it makes me realize some people have it way worse!

I would hate to be some of you people. The real miracle is how some people are able to function in society being as hateful and cynical as they are.

It must be the way they were raised.

Many times i have seen beams of light come through a opening in clouds, it is a beautiful sight. Wheather this is a message of some kind does not matter to anyone except his family and what they believe. I personally have had many unexplained things happen in my life and i am not a fanatic of any religion, or political thought. I am a beliver in God and know things happen usually to serve a purpose. There is a special connection between many pets and their masters. Let the family grieve in peace, and keep your doubtful, thoughts and your mouth shut.

My disbelief is not based on my own ego. Trust me when I say that I understand how insignificant we all are individually. Likewise, I’m not bitter. I don’t understand how any true Atheist could be: you can’t hold someone responsible for anything if you really don’t believe they exist.

I don’t believe in God because there’s no rational reason to believe in him. All other theologies are dismissed as fairy tales, and then stories like the creation, the exodus and immaculate conception are presented as fact. And any time someone tries to explain certain events scientifically (something that could help bring rational minds into the fold), it’s scandalous and sacrilege. By definition, Christianity pushes away people who need things to actually make sense. You would alienate fewer people if you managed to allow science to show that maybe some events described are actually feasible. There’s a monstrous difference between having faith and being gullible.

Stephen Henry Robers said it best:

“I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.”

I don’t fault anyone for their beliefs. If it works for you and keeps you going, good for you. But if you try to shove it down my throat, you had better believe I’ll shove it right back with a bit of my own. Fair is fair. Posted by: AmericaThePitiful | November 25, 2011, 4:03 pm

This is worth reposting………….

Flare in the lens

TO TRACTATUS you wrote to me: “Johndd, the problem with your argument is that if you argue the Christian is only good out of fear of God, you must likewise be admitting that the atheist is MORE moral because he does good things only out of a belief in their rightness. The Golden Law “Do unto others as you would they do unto you” predates Christianity by millennia and is part of EVERY religion on this planet. Reciprocal altruism is an unavoidable part of social living. We give life meaning by the way we live it … unless we are Christians when we can be as evil and negative as we like and then claim a deathbed acceptance of God swings us into heaven.” First, nowhere here have I argued that Christians are only good out of fear of God. We do try to be good out of a love of God and Jesus, which is our best way of showing our thanks for him for forgiving us of our many sins. I have never met a perfect Christian (or a perfect non-Christian), or anyone who would consider themselves uniformly and always good. You also can’t work your way to Heaven by being good. It’s a free gift from Christ. Who determines morals. If each person determines what is morally right, then everyone is equally moral. I’m a Christian. I get angry, I lie, I cheat, and I steal. I also swear. I’m as human as any atheist, and I assure you most of them do the same things. Now, put any 10 people in a group, and they all probably do the same things, maybe more of one thing than the other. How do you determine the moral cutoff of what is OK, and what is not OK. Is it OK to sneak into another movie at a multiplex theater without paying after you’ve finished seeing the one you paid for, but not OK to go into the lot after the theater and steal a car for a ride home and leave it on the street to be found. Explain morals to me if it’s not grounded in a belief in something bigger than us. I think most people agree that Hitler was the personification of evil, but from what I’ve been able to study of Hitler, he felt everything he was doing was OK based on his moral compass. So, personal morals based upon personal beliefs of good and evil, right and wrong are often flawed. Conclusion, I don’t see atheists as inherently any more moral than anyone else. I’ve spent a lot of time in Asia, and I can say that as far as good actions go, that devout Buddhists rank right at the top….as long as you ignore that little thing called the Japanese occupation of Asia during WWII. The Golden Rule, or Golden Law, is nice, and I do try to follow it, but it is a minor part of my Christianity. There are speeding rules, have you ever gotten a speeding ticket? What’s the other old saying, “Rules are made to be broken.” The Golden Rule by itself will get you nowhere, and certainly not to Heaven. Next, reciprocal altruism is certainly NOT an unavoidable part of social living. It gets avoided all the time. It takes two to tango, and it only takes one party to not reciprocate. Lastly, you wrote, “….unless we are Christians when we can be as evil and negative as we like and then claim a deathbed acceptance of God swings us into heaven…” Flawed timeline there. The person in the previous example did not become a Christian until he accepted Christ on his deathbed. However, yes, you are right, even evil people can accept Jesus at the very end and be forgiven. There is no expiration date on that forgiveness while we’re alive….even for atheists.

Wow there’s apparently alot of angry disrepectful liberals who live in another reality and have nothing better to do than exhibit just how ill-informed they are and how mean and hateful they are.

JohnDD said, “We do try to be good out of a love of God and Jesus, which is our best way of showing our thanks for him for forgiving us of our many sins.” ———- So fear of going to Hell no longer factors into Christianity? And why does your god forgive your sins? Sins are things you’re not supposed to do. But if you do them, and ask for forgiveness, you get it? Seems to me some people use their religion as some sort of cosmic insurance policy…………….

Do you remember when Jesus said “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.”?
Quit trying to convince people who do not believe in a higher power. They base their belief on their CHOICE, not on any dispassionate examination of fact.

“Can we get off the shiny dog for a second and go back to Congress selling itself to the Fortune 500 at the expense of the 99%? No, not interesting? How about alternatives to fossil fuels? Not interesting? How about the Patriot Act gutting the rights of every single American in very substantial ways for the last decade? Not interesting? Okay, I guess we have un-photoshopped sparkly dogs to talk about. That’s enough to satisfy your job description, right?”

We hear this kind of BS everyday. How about a little good news and inspiration. What is wrong with that Scrooge?

Do you guys get angry at rainbows too?
Posted by: Gwyn | November 26, 2011, 10:12 am.

Rainbows are proof that god is having gay sex. And no one can prove this is incorrect!

“Justin are you in there?” Really?!? Please! What does that say about these people’s wacky beliefs? What do they think, that instead of Heaven, their son mystically moved his spirit into the dog? And the ray of sunshine was God or their son miraculously confirming this non-sense? WIth apologies to those who believe in reincarnation, thankfully we get to go to Heaven if we believe in Jesus Christ or face judgement if not. Far better than living life again and again as an animal or insect – how horrible would that be.

Jamadan – the woman is mourning her child. Cut her some slack.

Its a feel good story. It doesnt imply any religious overtones. Why do some of you idiots have to turn it into a political soapbox or a place to air your derogatory remarks? THIS is why everyone else in the world looks down on us. A country full of idiots and morons. Enjoy the story for what it is.. a bright light on an otherwise gloomy outlook.

There are more atheists eager to comment about how they are 100% certain that there is no God and if you believe in this “myth” you are crazy. Your opinion is just that, there are NO absolute proofs that God doesn’t exist. What is someone who believes in God doing to make you try and pursuade them otherwise, they are believing in an all loving, ever mercifcul being who they believe they will be reunited with after death. The belief in God encourages only good in those who believe, so even if you don’t believe, for the whole cover your ass, aspect in life why not keep the option open just incase you are wrong, so you arent standing at the big pearly gate someday saying… But but they said you didnt exist. The worst thing that can happen is that when you die you… Well nothing. Just a thought ive always had about atheism, why shut out something you cant absolutely prove doesnt exist especially when it is all loving.

Your opinion is just that, there are NO absolute proofs that God doesn’t exist.
Posted by: Jess | November 26, 2011, 11:22 am.

That’s because it is impossible to prove a negative. There is ALSO no absolute proof that Thor, Odin, Zeus, and Apollo do not exist, is there…………..

Amen to Cathy Evert!

Wow Occupy a Thought…believe in the first amendment much?
Posted by: Sniffit | November 26, 2011, 11:43 am.

Of course not. People like that believe freedom of speech, or freedom of religion, only applies to them and their religion. It would be nice if these people actually practiced what they preach…………….

I want to believe that this was a message from Heaven as much as anyone, but a flare is a flare…

The “orbs” may be formed by interferance. This is an aspect of light which is best described by
wave theory. Fresnel and others described this in the 17th century. Think of dropping a pebble
in a pond, there are ripples. They can happen when light passes through a tiny pin hole.

Another effect that can cuase this is due to multiple lenses within the camera. Each lense refracts
the light a little. That also causes dispersion of the color spectrum, as in a prism.

For everyone complaining about this story not being “real” news, here is something you consider: YOU ARE UNDER THE BLOG SECTION OF ABCNEWS! What do expect in the blog section? Pay attention to what you’re reading instead of just link-jumping from site to site and the b*tching about stuff.

A similar thing happened when my little brother died. It had been overcast for a solid week in Nashville and no sun was expected, but the day of his funeral the clouds broke just in time for service, and stayed gone until the service was over. I don’t know what that was all about, but it felt divine nonetheless.

I am glad that these folks got to have a special moment that had great meaning to them. Truly, that it transpired in exactly the fashion that it would need to in order to allow for the rest of us to share in it, is something just a little more than a small miracle. If we all took a moment to appreciate and embrace the miracles that happen every day, all around us, the world would be a much happier place and we wouldn’t be so surprised and skeptical when we saw one. However, for the most part, we all too busy patting ourselves on the back for our own gifts, or bombasting about the world through our own jaded lens.

There are non-supernatural explanations for the photo. Now, explain the timing!
Explain how a dog can bring great comfort in the face of great loss. Keep rethinking it,
and someday you may find things that could not be, are there before your eyes.

God is us, individually AND collectively. Out of a mass of Chaos, how does ANYTHING
turn out for the good? Is there really good and bad? Is it all in our minds, since WE choose it?
How would we know either way, what happens to our souls after death? What is the mystery and history that brought YOU to be here now?

Got it ALL figured out because you think your choices are better than anyone else’s?
Are we a sum greater than its parts, or lesser? Choose your own path, that is the LAW
of GOD. To attempt to force others to obey or disobey that is the law of Satan.

EVEN IF GOD AND SATAN ARE ONLY METAPHORE!

Life is short, cutting other people down only diminishes YOU.

The division in this country between the liberal progressive elite, and the normal middle to center right
christian s ( who founded and still make up the majority religious affiliation in America) will never be reconciled as long as a story like this elicits extreme negative attitudes towards people of faith. Your overreaching lack of tolerance and disdain, would be better suited to addressing washington, and the sub moronic twits that are its denizens.
It was an uplifting positive story, affirming hope, in a world with little of it.

Let me sum this up in a word from a scientific level: HA

So many people are willing to put so much stock in supposed signs from the next world; they will jump at anything to validate what they long for.

Whether it’s the face of the virgin Mary or Jesus on any number of objects, sun beams out of the blue, voices perhaps, or something as mundane as attributing the ease with which a parking space opens up when time is of the essence, all these things and more are latched onto because we need a sign to support us.

Signs are entirely too subjective and therefore subject us to disappointment at other times. In other words, if you can interpret the “sign” one way what’s to stop you from interpreting the next “sign” another?

Don’t build your life on signs, dig down to the truth and build upon that.

Oh no, not a trick of the light mistaken for a mystical event! This is a story to amuse 5-year-olds or those with the emotioanal development of a 5-year-old.

If the title of this article read “Beam of Light Shines on Muslim Family’s Dog”, and went on to describe the event in a similar way, y’all would be here telling the world definitively about how it’s just a trick of the light, or photoshopped, or shot through a screen door, or some other completely mundane reason. I guarantee you would DENY any ‘other-worldly’ reason for the effect……….

Angry atheists aren’t really atheists. They hide behind the word to justify their immoral actions and jealousies. Real atheists are more often very nice quiet people who don’t judge others and would be the last ones to post on a thread like this. Posted by: Ray | November 26, 2011, 12:08 pm.

Angry, judgmental, intolerant, narrow-minded Christians aren’t really Christians. They hide behind the word to justify their immoral actions and jealousies. Real Christians are more often very nice quiet people who don’t judge others and would be the last ones to post on a thread like this. Sadly, there are very few of these people out there…………..

Now, I’m certainly one to be skeptical of such as these. That this is a sign from God, that this is the spirit of the soldier in the dog, etc.

But it is troubling to see the level of glee that some folks have in challenging the photograph and trying to bend it to their political advantage. Actually, it would be nice to see some of these people — I’m talking about folks such as Dee at the beginning of the thread — come forward and act as a major spokesman for the Occupy movement he/she seems to be pedaling with his/her rant.

OWS is quickly losing favor with the public, and Dee as spokesman would quickly help put one of the last nails in the coffin.

@Karloff

“Oh no, not a trick of the light mistaken for a mystical event! This is a story to amuse 5-year-olds or those with the emotioanal development of a 5-year-old.”

If you are older than five, you are all the ages you have been. Lose a child that you have raised,
and you may seek comfort anywhere. I like to watch guys like you when they become old and infirm, 5 year olds all of them, then babies. In your time, while you lay dying, you can rest in the satisfaction that you made this comment. Well done, sir! Well done!

Posted by: Conor
“I am Athiest, but I think the photo is touching. So what if you don’t believe in Christianity. Religion doesn’t matter. The fact that they thought it was a sign from their loved one gave them happiness.

It’s great to see one another happy. Leave religion out of this and just feel glad for someone else for once in your life.”

That is the best thing that I have ever heard an Athiest say! God Bless you, Sir!(Whatever that may mean!)

I’m going to sound brutal here. Sure the photo is neat. But honestly if Justin could say something, he would tell his parents to move on and be happy. Not to worship him whenever a dog around, and idolize the dog. If you asked a preist or preacher, they would say this is not a good thing dealing with spirits. It could in fact be something else. And I’m not even christian, I just see some blasphemy in these comments. Seriously, if this couples religious head saw this, they would tell this couple their son is at peace now, and not to disturb his spirit any longer. Remembering and mourning your son is ok, perfectly natural. But still wanting him to communicate with you might warrant some counseling.

@sourpuss
“So, now that this aired on CBS last night, how many of you religious folks still think it was a sign from God? The cameraman tilted the camera up, the lenz flare was there, then he tilted the camera angle down, the lenz flare went away, then he angled it up again and it came back. He then moved the cameral horizontally and while he did that the beam right and left with the camera’s movement, until he finally stopped when it was on the dog. A true sign of Gods intervention into this families life? Come on! Talk about grasping at straws! Do you need this type of hype in your lives to make you feel like life is worth it?”

Do you need to rag on other peoples beliefs, which give them comfort to unspeakable loss,to make you feel like life is worth it?”

Mike I don’t think you read the story fully. The dog wasn’t even the soldiers dog. It was just found wandering in the same area as their son had died, and these people took the dog in. And now the mom tries to communicate to her dead son through the dog…

People need to honor the fact that the soldier lost his life serving his country. But not try to bring him BACK to life. It would truly honor the soldier more of people could find peace within themselves to be happy and move on with their lives in a more positive outlook, despite how things are happening in this world.

Posted by: steve | November 26, 2011, 1:57 pm 1:57 pm
“Do you need to rag on other peoples beliefs..”
No Steve, I don’. I’m just sickened by people always trying to force the proof of God on me. Especially when it is a lame picture that was faked.
“which give them comfort to unspeakable loss..”
If it makes you feel good, then roll with it. Just stop trying to convince the rest of us that it’s real.

You see that. Absolute proof of Jeebus!

Praise Jeebus…and God…and the Bible.

Pablum, if you hate the country and your countrymen so very much, why don’t you just go live somewhere else?

Nobody — i mean NOBODY — is holding you here against your will.

I, like many of us, have had a really difficult past year. I’ve lost many of my loved ones – some to natural causes, some were taken “before their time,” although it’s not my place to judge what somebody’s proper time is. I’ve had a really hard time adjusting to the loss of so many of my loved ones, the breakup of a 6 year relationship, all the doom and gloom with the state of the world and the economy, etc. I’ve tried to be strong and not let these things shake me up to my core, but it’s hard sometimes…and I just want to say this story is very much appreciated by me, and by I’m sure many others. I’m not endorsing beliefs in anything, I respect whatever your beliefs are, and I’m cerebral and educated enough (finishing up medical school) to have a view of life rooted in science, but I also believe in the merits of faith and believing in something greater than ourselves. I understand and respect people who don’t believe in signs or the supernatural, but I also certainly understand and respect people who do. If you don’t believe in this, why do you have to sh*t all over the story and try to take the feelings of temporary respite and wonder away from those of us who do believe? Life is short. It’s full of ups and downs. There are also moments – those moments when we see something breathtaking, or hear a piece of music, or look into the eyes of someone we love – where the feelings of happiness are much more profound, go much deeper than neurons firing and neurotransmitters being moved around. It’s that feeling where you feel a stirring inside your body and find yourself choking up or being moved to tears for no explanation. I believe that’s our soul being touched. Those are the moments in our short lives that I live for, and that inevitably find some way to come to me during my darkest hours. There are lots of moments like that if you’re willing to open yourself up to them. The world can be a horrible place, and it can also be the most wonderful place you can imagine. Dichotomy is life. It’s not always fair, but it’s always interesting. Apparently Justin agreed enough to come back to show his family he thought so too. I want to thank the writer of tihs story, and Justin, for giving me a “ray of light” in this very dark, tough year I’ve been having. Have a wonderful holiday season everybody.

Its shot through a screened door. the light is reflecting off that and nothing else… zoom in and you can see the mesh.

What a wonderful story! To all you no believers who have to shout down those in this messed up world who find warmth and love in Christ and God “Shut and Sit Down” No One and I mean No One cares what you think, say or believe anyway…

My dog is forever standing or lying in a sun beam. So is my cat. If there where a sun beam that strong I’d assure you that one or the other would be in it. nice story though, as long as it gives one person some comfort it was worth publishing.

For all the negative commenters, I can testify to how fast your position on this changes when you lose someone you love — especially a child.

I believe it and it’s common knowledge among those whose hearts and minds are open to such things that indeed, yes, departed loved ones do attempt to communicate w/us left on earth. Many of my loved ones have done just that, more than once even. Coincidence? There are none.

Appears the true “HERO” is there in the pic as well, appears to be an image of a man standing with Hero, optical illusion? maybe, but a very nice one!

To all of you nasty bitter skeptics…you’re cool…God doesn’t believe in you either. He’s tired of competing with your shrivelled narcissistic egos. God sends subtle messages to us through ‘meaningful coincidence’…it’s a Jungian thing. This is not a lens flare or an internal reflection. The ray was witnessed by people next to the photographer. This killer grab shot is the real deal. Ansel Adams would be proud. Read and comprehend the article whydontcha..

So many miserable ppl out, are unable to adapt from the usual negative, slightly twisted or ad libbed news broadcasted daily that one little story like can cause so much dismay in their lifes. Its no wonder theres so much negativity and hate n this world. Open your eyes to this negative reaction and the impact its having…..thats shameful at work.

maybe not a godsend but the ray of sunlight is real.How could anyone not like this with all the uglyness out there in this world . A ray of sunshine a ray of hope. we all need a little hope in this world today. Beautiful story, like a rainbow. rainbows are real, right :)

Before you doubt, do you think it could happen? I can tell you it can, because we have seen signs ourselves, after our son, Devin, was killed by a driver severely distracted by a cell phone and other issues. If you choose not to believe, that is fine. Your call. But leave the negative comments to yourself. But I guarantee you, the signs we get from loved ones are real. And, in honor of my son, please hang up your cell phone before you drive. Drivers on cell phones are four times more likely to be in an accident within five minutes of making or taking a call — including those on hands-free devices.

And the experience was so meaningful to you, Kimberly, that you decided right then and there to make money off it.

For those that think it’s camera tricks, flares, orbs, watch the video on the “read more about Hero and Justin” link. You see it happen, for about six seconds a beam of light on Hero. God was on the side of this Country during the Revolution. Washington counted 76 times divine intervention saved him and the Army, and he gives reference to them in his First Thanksgiving Proclamation, such as the time localized fog covered the Army in the retreat from New York in fall of 1776. Protected Washington because he had a destiny to help create this Nation of Freedom, Heaven on Earth. It’s comforting to me to know he’s still on the side of a few of our soldiers. As far as the image, heres something anybody can do. Right click, copy image. Past in paint. Do View/Zoom -> large size. Above Hero, to his rear, Man in dress BDU’s wearing Red Beret. I couldn’t say it’s Justin, but the wife and I got goosebumps.

There’s no particular “harm” in this story. It’s just an insult to all we now know about photography and how the light affects the picture. It’s just a common lens flare. It’s not the embodiment of a dead person. Don’t tell the catholics though. Most of their religion is built on fairytales, ghosts, dead “saints”, and the like.

This dog Hero is not only a hero to this family but an extension of all the GOOD their son did. NO ONE should cast any negative opinion to such a special thing for this devastated family.

So now we are to believe that dead people communicate through animals?
Makes about as much sense as other religious crapola.
Dead is dead. That’s what dead is.

Any policies that benefit the white American middle class are viciously attacked, and policies that promote the genocide of white America are enshrined as morally good by the MSM. It’s as simple as that. The US government is pursuing the genocide of white America. The MSM is owned by the same people that control the US govt.

Think about it. The Tea Party is vilified. Why? Because most members are from the white middle class, who are mainly just asking to be left alone and not treated as 3rd class citizens.

All other races are encouraged to have racial pride. Except whites, who are expected to be ashamed of themselves. Members of any pro white group are described as Haters, Supremicists, Nazis, Nuts. Not so for the Black Congressional Caucus, NAACP, La Raza (The Race), BTV, or any Asian American group. They are good and moral.

Black on white crime is epidemic in America, but it is hidden by the MSM. The very few white on black crimes are made into nation wide, around the clock stories.

Immigration into the US is over 90% non-white. These 3rd world migrants are much more likely to use Welfare than white natives. They also commit more crime. Whites are not even allowed freedom of association. No white towns or neighborhoods allowed. Whites will become a minority soon. The MSM is delighted with this policy.

All majority non-white nations discriminate against racial minorities. Whites will become a discriminated against minority here. And the MSM is delighted.

The Middle East wars are killing and maiming mostly white Americans, and enemies of Israel.. So they are good.

For those brave enough, google Holocaust Denial Videos. Why? Because the Holocaust story has done great harm to whites worldwide, and it is a baseless story. The first hint it is not true is that there are laws against questioning it in many Western nations. Supply lines being cut off at the end of the war resulting in disease and starvation does not equate to millions killed in gas chambers. The story is almost completely based on torture derived confessions of German officers at Nuremberg. But if it were not true, the MSM would tell you the real story right? They wouldn’t lie, would they?

Tom Stone, no the stupidity lies in not knowing that the lens flare IS CAUSED BY the backlight from the sun.

The fact there’s flare does not mean the photographer didn’t see it.

It’s a natural phenomenon that every photographer has a dozen images of.

Don’t try to salve your conscience about sending these kids of to be killed with nonsense about a lighting effect proving they are still with us.

Ironically the people who support sending this kid to be killed are the same ones who want to believe a beam of light through cloud cover is a miracle.

Give me a frigging break. How about letting him stay at home and still being alive?

Now THAT would be positivity. And REAL solace for the family.

In breaking news: beam of light falls on Obama. Republicans decide in droves to vote Democrat in the next election.

Not going to happen?

Didn’t think so.

There’s something very phony when “miracles” only support your already existing political prejudices.

Can’t you be tolerant? Why can’t you 99%’s and anti-war actiivists just be as tolerant of those that believe in God as you demand we all are of Islam? Let these people have their moment of faith. Let them be comforted by the idea that the spirit of of dead man can give them a sign of presence. In fact, allow all Christians have their moment to reflect, to pray, and to worship however they wish. Even if they bow their head in front of you and say a quick word or two about how blessed we are for the food we are about to eat, let the Christians have those moments.

Most of all, let this family believe that this was an act of God. What is it to you anyway? You don’t believe so you must convince everyone else how stupid they are for believing? Please be as tolerant of Christians as you are of every other religion.

“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
Thomas Aquinas

To those of you who can’t think beyond some fluke of a camera lens, and who see everything through the lens of your anger over “99%” and “fossil fuels” and “grasping at straws,” what empty lives you must lead. I feel sorry for you. Do you believe in anything other than your own resentments?

I see a soldier sitting cross legged in the background with a uniform on with a sword sticking out of the ground. I also see him getting ready to pet the dog. I zoomed in on the orbs and I saw a couple of faces in them.

Aw, “Two things are infiniite. The universe and human stupidity. And I’m not so sure about the universe.” Einstein.

Quoting is fun.

God Bless Justin Rollins, his family & fiancee, and all of our self-sacrificing Warriors who protect us from harms way, and it appears he has. A beautiful story, about everything that’s right, and the right values with the US all the way back to the Founders. There’s hope for ABC yet. For those negatives that dump on this story, there is evil and evil people in the world, and the US created Values and Honor so that people like Justin could rise up and protect us from that. Rather than be critical of his death, do something with your life to fight that evil.

Simple words….. I absolutely believe in our Lord Jesus Christ..and all that he promises and life after death..And I believe that this is truly a sign from Justin and also from God. And to those who make light of it and joke about it all..I feel pity for you. What a Beautiful example of Faith for all believers. God bless Hero and may Justin Rest in Peace.

I saw young men die in Iraq. I came close to it myself. It was never pretty. There was no soft focus. There was no heavenly light.

This story and the “rah rah” comments it provokes fill me with disgust and shame.

My God. I thought the Ayatollah’s first Fatwah against Salman Rushdie showed they were still in the Middle Ages.

Now I read stuff like this and it shows that many Americans are still in the Middle Ages.

May God, or the heavens, help us.

Somewhere, as a would-be terrorist decides to strap on a suicide bomb, a beam of light will fall upon him, and he will decide he has God’s approval.

How truly ignorant and benighted some Americans have become.

[Please point out ONE POST here where someone ‘preached how much they hate this country’. One post where someone said they hate America. Just one……….

Posted by: Searambler | November 25, 2011, 12:18 pm 12:18 pm ]

You are right it’s nothing but an America lovefest. You are so observant. I could never hope to be able to compete with your superior skills in reading comprehension.

Nevertheless, these quotes don’t paint a picture of love of country as much as you appear to think so:

“USA has become the laughing stock of the planet”
“We are, indeed, a ship of fools”
“We have learned to embrace how we so suck”
“I can’t really find fault in the laughter of the rest of the planet”
“the sort of drivel that keeps us from questioning the futility of the boy’s death in the first place”
“US of A, you are fast moving towards being the laughing-stock of the world”
“Hero? Hardly. These “soldiers” are more like traitors.”
“Generations of American “soldiers” are idiots. American taxpayers are not much better.”

And that’s just about a 5th the way down the page.

It is a fact that the most developed and educated countries have less belief in gods, the supernatural, and religion. What does this say about the U.S.?

A natural coincidence produces a momentary effect that looks like something out of a Spielberg-wannabe movie.

It’s nice if it gives the family some comfort, but to use it as a political argument to justify a war in the Middle East is stretching to say the very least.

You can’t seriously claim this shows heavenly intent, and that all the instances were dogs have failed to glow, doesn’t.

By your own absurd logic, HE must not have liked the other dead soldiers.

I actually don’t see George W. but I do see angels to the left of the picture if you look closely at the trees.

POSTED BY: BLUBBER BOB | NOVEMBER 26, 2011, 8:52 PM 8:52 PM
=====================================

LMAOOOOOOFFFFFF…….That’s good Bob…..That was the best one so far……..

And here I was getting depressed at some of the Comments being said on here and then I read yours….It put a smile on my face!!!!!

Actually the picture reminds me of the Movie Ghost…The end of it where Patrick Swayzee is getting ready to ascend into heaven through that very same beam of light……

matthew, why didn’t you stick with “Ed”?

We know only too well what the brainless did to this planet. Almost destroyed its economic system by the time George Bush left office.

God did not have a hand in that one either.

Morbius, judging from your post, here’s another one patting himself on the back for being so much smarter than you.

I think it’s nice the family got some consolation from this. But forget the religious mumbo jumbo. Or the use of it to justify sending this man to his death in the first place.

I just don’t see how I’ll be able to trust this woman’s reporting again.

I JUST WANT TO SAY, SHAME! ON THOSE OF YOU THAT FEEL IT IS YOUR ‘DUTY’ TO RIDICULE A MAN’S DEATH AND HIS FAMILY FOR HAVING ONE TINY BIT OF HAPPINESS IN THE DARKEST TIME OF THEIR LIVES. JUST BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE MISERABLE LIVES, ARE WORTHLESS, FAILED TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL, OR DIDN’T GET AS MUCH ATTENTION AS YOUR SIBLINGS DID DOESN’T MEAN YOU HAVE TO BRING THE REST OF US DOWN TO YOUR LIVES OF NOTHING. I’M SICK AND TIRED OF ALL THE PEOPLE IN THIS COUNTRY GETTING IN OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS, BEGGING FOR FREE HANDOUTS, AND COMPLAINING ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT THEY SEE WHEN THEY ARE USUALLY THEY PROBLEM. HOW ABOUT YOU ALL TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR? (*I HIGHLY DOUBT ABC WOULD JUST ‘MAKE UP’ A STORY LIKE THIS, IT DOESN’T TOE THEIR AGENDA. EVERYONE HAS AN AGENDA.) HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND GOD BLESS.

My second wife passed away years ago. I was talking to her sister about a number of “signs” that we had observed since the passing. The sister and I were sitting in the front room of the house; it was an overcast day. If I remember correctly the sister mentioned that she had not observed any signs. Suddenly the sun came out – just for a few moments. I pointed out the sunshine. Is that proof of anything, definitely not? Is it interesting? Yep. Science is a funny thing. Look back a few hundered years at some of the accepted science of the day and you might laugh. I wonder what people will say in 500 years when they look back at what we “know” today.

Schweet! I see I ticked off someone (or someones) enough to get my post removed… must have hit a nerve or two.

@Michael Lee – 10:13pm: I see you weren’t paying attention; I don’t much believe in that “religious mumbo-jumbo” m’self.

That having been said, this was nothing but a puff piece, about grieving parents finding, in this stray dog their son adopted before his death, some small piece of him still left on this earth; no “ra-ra-ing” for an “illegal war”, etc etc etc ad nauseum; just a human interest story about two people trying to hold on to their humanity in a world with precious little of that to spare.

Nonetheless, a bunch of pitifully pathetic people feel the need to opine to that its all BS, a bunch of garbage, etc etc etc;; fair enough, its a free internet…

But I am free to voice my opinion as well…

To the amateur photogs out there.., if you actually comprehend the article.., he saw this with the naked eye as well. Go figure that one out Einsteins while the rest of us laugh at how whiney Atheist can be when no one else follows them down the dark road of arrogance and ignorance.

Why is it that athiests are so insecure that a sweet, innocent article, and comments by those who believe in God, cause them to jump in and spew such hateful vitriol? Why do you care so much about what others believe? What are you trying to convince yourself of? A bit insecure in your beliefs (or lack thereof), no?

Since the rays are wider at the bottom, you could calculate the spread angle and determine the alleged source. A rough guess would show it to be a couple hundred feet in the air. The sun, of course, is a bit further away. Light going through a hole in a cloud would still have the sun as the source. So I say fake, but good luck to the soldiers family anyways.

What’s with all the naysayers? What’s wrong with a little “good” news now and then? With the way the entire world is going down hill at the speed of light, I’d think we’d all be happy to hear something uplifting for a change (whether or not we believe, the message is uplifting). Did this story knock some murder off the front page? Did it push the pepper spraying cops off the nightly news cast? No? Then just keep your negativity to yourself. There’s an old saying and it’s never been more true than now, with this story’s comments … “if you can’t say something good, don’t say anything at all.” And please, don’t give me your “Freedom of Speech” speech. Negativity for negativity’s sake is just a waste of good oxygen and time. Go pout by yourself or find your other negative buddies to sulk with and leave the good stories to those that appreciate them.

Yes, many of the comments here are sad–sad in that people can be emotionally duped by a trick of the light.

The so-called 99% represent no one but themselves – and what would that be .001%? Stop hanging around in your tents playing with your very expensive smart phones and go home and start a business, get an apprenticeship, volunteer, or (gasp) start job hunting. Stop the whinging, cretinous whining!

If you believe in G-d and therefore do not fear dying, and if you have a near death event happen to you, you will see a similar light. I did.

The many comments on here proves that America is becoming more secular to the point the morals and values are irrelevant and are being replaced with bitter atheists. I like the story and it is a breath of fresh air to read it. Don’t mind the atheists — it’s just that they know so much that isn’t so.

All of these comments are proof that the people in this country need to get the collective sticks out of their bums. Let a grieving family have their moment of joy.

“Pablum_Fed_Since_911 Please go back to your “occupy rejects” and stay in your tunnel.” —– “Or Just a malignant narcissist” —– “To all you non believers who have to shout down those in this messed up world who find warmth and love in Christ and God “Shut up and Sit Down” No One and I mean No One cares what you think, say or believe anyway…” —– “To all of you nasty bitter skeptics…” —– “If you don’t like it, move somewhere else” —— “You people are so stupid…..” —– “It is unbelievable what the brainless have done to this planet.” —– “JUST BECAUSE YOU PROBABLY HAVE MISERABLE LIVES, ARE WORTHLESS, FAILED TO GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL, OR DIDN’T GET AS MUCH ATTENTION AS YOUR SIBLINGS” —— “Well…at least its not another story on that Dumbass community organizer or his fat ugly wife stealing more money from all of us.” —— “Sorry that your pathetic lives have left you so bitter”.

Folks, this is just a small fraction of the loving and caring Jesus-like Christian responses to some of the non-Christian posts here. Y’all must be so proud that you have ‘defended’ your religious views against the godless hordes who see a picture of a dog standing in the sunlight AS a picture of a dog standing in the sunlight, without ascribing some supernatural cause to it………..

I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t than live as if there isn’t and find out there is….

Then there’s the story about the dyslexic agnostic insomniac.

He used to lie awake at night and wonder if there really is a dog………………

I had a similar experience with my Friend. He died and was to be cremated, the day was very cloudy he was indoors and was presented to the family via a viewing window, placed only in front of the window in a random setting by the attendant it could of been more to the right or the left etc, the viewing was only but for about 5 to 10 minutes at most, i snapped a few pictures and did not even noticed the event until i reviewed the pictures. It was then that I noticed it abeam of sunlight penetrated the clouds shined trough a skylight opening on the roof and landed directly on his body.
the other photos show the beam moved of and then disapeared.! After seeing this i attributed it to a “sign” from heaven letting me know that he had made it there.! As I’m free to beleive that is my choice and feel that way too many coincidences occurred for this to be random. I post this for the beleivers and non beleiver’s. May God have Mercy in all of our soul’s.

I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn’t than live as if there isn’t and find out there is….Posted by: wareaglern | November 27, 2011, 10:04 am.

So your faith is sort of like a cosmic insurance policy. Just in case…………..

So let me get this straight – God let their son die, but miraculously shined some sunlight on his dog?

This is a miracle? How about keeping the son from dying in the first place?

SEARAMBLER WROTE: So fear of going to Hell no longer factors into Christianity? And why does your god forgive your sins? Sins are things you’re not supposed to do. But if you do them, and ask for forgiveness, you get it? Seems to me some people use their religion as some sort of cosmic insurance policy……………. Yes, you are correct, fear of Hell does NOT factor into Christianity, because Christians won’t be going to Hell, so there is nothing to fear. However, we do believe there is a Hell, just as we believe there is a Heaven. Christians have no reason to fear Hell, or Satan, because Christ conquered them. God forgives our sins because he sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and take the penalty for the sins of any man who trusts and accepts Him as Savior. I can’t conquer sin myself. It’s impossible. I can’t do enough good works to make up for all my sins past, present, and future. Yes, sins are things we are not supposed to do, but we do them anyway. And yes, if we sin, and ask for forgiveness, we DO get it. We get forgiveness despite the fact we don’t deserve it. We are also supposed to forgive others who sin against us. That is often easier said than done. I was an atheist too before I was saved at a Keith Green concert in 1977, five years before he died in a plane crash with two of his kids. If you want to understand Christianity, Google Keith Green, and watch his music on YouTube. I went to that concert an atheist and left a Christian. If you watch and listen to his songs at a minimum you will enjoy them, he was a fantastic musician. Hopefully you will be as moved as I was. You have nothing to lose, and maybe a lot to gain.

Duderful, are you saying I have to believe everything I hear? Im more inclined to believe this was a story made up by these two to make something out of nothing. Its a sad part of human nature that people make things up for attention. Prove to me that this guy or whoever isnt lying. I believe in God, but being in photography for over 25 years, and most of it astrophotography, I get this phenomena from time to time when I shoot sundogs. Why do I have to put my faith in these two people who claim a beam of light came out of knowhere? Ill put my faith in God and not believe everything someone tells me or shows me. How critical are you in your own thinking? I even challenge you to prove to me this is real, and dont give me this crap about that signs from heaven wont convince them. Its a pervererse generation that looks for signs.

God forgives our sins because he sent his Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and take the penalty for the sins of any man who trusts and accepts Him as Savior. Posted by: JohnDD | November 27, 2011, 10:43 am.

What about all the people that died BEFORE Jesus came along? All the people in your bible who ‘believed’ yet were unable to take advantage of the Jesus discount for their sins. Where are they? Heaven? Hell? New Jersey?

I find it oddly amusing that my post sticking up for the first ammendment rights of all commenters here (and quoted later by someone, thus proving it’s former existence). Was removed.

ABC truly is part of the right wing media

For those of us who have experienced the agony of loss of a loved one in Iraq or A-Stan (a small group that most of you have the luxury of not being a member of) is it so difficult to show compassion to a family who wants to believe. Regardless of your belief in God or your views on the wars, allow us our beliefs as it’s solace and it’s comforting as we stare at the empty seat during Thanksgiving dinner or fewer gifts under the Christmas tree or when we look in the eyes of a child left behind and attempt an explanation of who their parent was and why they are no longer here.
To those of you who find this distasteful or offensive or a waste of time or doubt it’s validity, okay, that’s your right, but at least have the heart to keep your comments to yourself. I can assure you that if you ever become a member of this group you will be met with understanding and compassion and acceptance of your beliefs that get you through each day. You don’t have to believe in anything to have the heart to re-frame from commenting for the sake of others. It made me sad to read some of these comments and I think we have all experienced that emotion. So given the choice, why inflict it on others.

I thought atheists are always seeking a sign in order to believe that God exists……This “pseudo intellectual” elitism displayed by those who can’t take pleasure or joy in something so harmless is sad. Posted by: siylence | November 27, 2011, 11:22 am.

Where on earth did you ever get that idea about atheists?!?!? We are not ‘seeking a sign that god exists’. We do not believe in the concept of a deity. Period. That doesn’t mean we can’t take pleasure or joy in a picture like this one. It’s a nice picture of a dog in a sunbeam. But that’s ALL it is. If the family that owns the dog takes some sort of religious joy or comfort in believing whatever they believe about it, then that’s great for them. And I would love to hear your explanation of why not believing in the concept of a deity makes us ‘pseudo-intellectual elites’. Does that mean that people who DO believe in a deity are ‘genuine anti-intellectual boors’?

TStreet – so sorry for your loss.

If this truley is a “miracle”, it isnt sent by Justin. It amazes me when Christians, better yet
“christian wannabees”, blaspheme in their attempts to show/defend their “faith”.

JohnDD | November 27, 2011, 11:24 am post: ————-

So you’re saying that Ghandi, a Hindu, isn’t in heaven, because he didn’t believe in and worship your god? And the billions of people around the world and throughout history who didn’t believe in and worship your god are eternally damned to hell BECAUSE they didn’t believe in and worship your god? Regardless of how they conducted their lives, regardless of everything else, they are damned to eternal hellfire because they didn’t believe in and worship your god? Your god sounds like one selfish, vain, and petty deity, and certainly unworthy of worship under any circumstances. The oh-so-convenient ‘god is beyond human understanding’ argument is a monumental cop out, used to absolve you of having to use your brain. No, I’ll not waste my time on Keith Green or any other god-squad pop star out there. And I DO lead a good, just, and moral life. Not a perfect life, and I am fine with that. The concept of “sin” – and especially the ridiculous idea of “original sin” – is a religious one that I reject as well. I obey the laws of our nation. I try to do the right thing, and mostly succeed. I’m a moral person because of the way my parents raised me.

You believe in god, heaven, hell, and eternal life. I don’t. I reject it all, utterly and completely, one hundred percent. Don’t pray for me, don’t cry for me, and for gods sake (yes, I said it, it’s just an expression), don’t think that YOUR belief system is shared by everyone. Because it ain’t. As long as you religious types don’t try to push your religion in my face, and into the secular world of rules and laws that we actually live in, then we can have discussions like this all day long, no harm no foul. It’s when y’all cross the line between secular law and your religious beliefs that we have a real problem……..

@Searambler, I am totaly with you on this one. As a christian, and an amateur astronomer, it is always useful to get the opinion of an atheist due to break down of facts. Sometimes, and alot of the times, there is a common sense explanation of things that explain certain phenonena. I believe everything has its order by the way God has designed it, it is up to us to learn the intricasies of how they work. I have my respect for the inquisitive mind of atheists as they are not easily duped into believeing everything they hear.
I am the same way, except I always feel God has a hand in it. In return, I get respect for my belief system from them, I do not push my beliefs, but rather try to prove them through knowledge.
The thing that scares me about this photo, is how many Christians actually will accept a media sources claim that this is real and NOT photoshopped, along with the two who have created the story.
I have been in this game too long to just accept what someone else has to say.

If the majority of us christians can believe this article in the latter days, what else will you believe that the media feeds you without checks and balances?
It is not the atheist that you are in turmoil with, you cannot blame them, or anyone, but ourselves.

I’m an atheist, and if the mom in this story got some measure of comfort from this picture then I really have no problem with it. Other Atheists who are commenting negatively on this story need to learn to stop being such a-holes.

Don’t know where Gandhi is, or anyone else who has died for that matter. It’s nice to think that good people end up in Heaven, but what is good. Beyond Gandhi, a lot of his followers were only interested in power which resulted in a lot of bloodshed when India gained independence from England. So, what about them? If entry into Heaven is based upon “goodness,” what is the cutoff point? How much badness gets you into Hell. Well, if you’re afraid to listen to a musician, it’s your loss. Like I said, at a minimum you’ll hear some good music, and it is not boring….the guy could boogie on the piano.

for all of the Atheists,nasty mean spirited anti American freaks who posted here ,your judgement will come . It is sad you all are so hate filled negative and lost. Maybe you are part of the OWS hate groups?? or simply Left wing lock step kool-aid drinkers?
This is a story about hope and faith. believing the spirit is stronger than death itself. God exsits and this is just one moment of proof! Thank you for a report of glory!

Well, if you’re afraid to listen to a musician, it’s your loss. Like I said, at a minimum you’ll hear some good music, and it is not boring…. the guy could boogie on the piano.
Posted by: JohnDD | November 27, 2011, 12:26 pm.

LOL! I’m not “afraid” to listen to a pop star. Truth be told, I don’t have access to a computer with speakers. But even if I did, I wouldn’t bother with that guy. And why are you asking ME, an atheist, about the rules and regulations for getting into heaven or hell? That’s just funny……….

The trouble with articles like this is, it perpetuates the myths in peoples minds that don’t know anything about Christianity. The Bible specifically tells us that “absent the body you are present with the Lord”. There are no “ghosts”, or anyway to contact the dead. The dead cannot contact you. If you are contacted, it is either an angel or demon. An angel won’t lie to you and misrepresent who he is. A demon will. As the “rich man” died and went to hell, he desired to tell his family to change before it was too late. The Bible is quite clear that he wasn’t allowed.
Much of the fantasy that people believe today are from movies and wives tales passed on through the years. Even some denominations teach praying to dead people and asking saints, or other Bible figures to intervene for them. 1st Timothy specifically tells us that Jesus is our only Mediator between God and man.
When your loved one is gone, they are with God,…period. He will judge them worthy of Heaven or Hell and they belong to Him so He can do with them as He pleases. The time to “fix” your sin problem is before death. You cannot intervene for a family member to pray them into Heaven.
This stuff is Christianity 101 and it is depressing to hear Christians so naive about Scripture. The only entity to hear our prayers is Jesus and only He can answer you,….no one else.

@Chuckles. Here’s a question for you. Based on your beliefs, what happens to a MUSLIM child who dies at 5 years old? What chance did he have to “fix” his sins? And what sins does a 5 year old have anyway? Your belief system is riddled with illogical ideas and convoluted thinking. How about thinking for YOURSELF for a change? Are you THAT afraid?

for all of the Atheists, nasty mean spirited anti American freaks who posted here, your judgement will come . It is sad you all are so hate filled negative and lost. Maybe you are part of the OWS hate groups?? or simply Left wing lock step kool-aid drinkers?
This is a story about hope and faith. believing the spirit is stronger than death itself. God exists and this is just one moment of proof! Thank you for a report of glory!
Posted by: LindaOB | November 27, 2011, 12:35 pm.

Linda, thank you for proving what I’ve often said. You claim to be religious, you claim to believe in god, I assume by your post that you are a Christian. And here you are, posting a hate-filled, insulting, demeaning, negative rant against “all of the atheists”. Which part of your rant did you quote from Jesus? Did you go to church today? Did your preacher tell you to go out and attack and belittle and insult people who don’t agree with you? You are a hypocrite.

Read his books or shut up. Posted by: Vince | November 27, 2011, 12:51 pm.

LOL! My, what a Christian attitude you have, Vince. Have his findings been replicated by any scientist? Did he subject his findings to peer review? Oh wait, he was a LAWYER before he got involved in the occult. Peddle your supernatural crap somewhere else………..

Sorry, I meant SEARAMBLER, not CHUCKLES.

It seems to me that the shadow cast by the dog is not consistent with the bright light source.

Dear ABC News: I am receiving a message that says I am posting too quickly, when I haven’t posted anything for weeks! Duh!

Brian | November 27, 2011, 1:32 pm post ————– Don’t worry. I was raised in a very loving Catholic family. I understand that the people who post here are not really representative of ALL the Christians out there. Most are decent people, and I can respect them while personally rejecting their religion. Some – like Linda – seem to think it’s OK to hate people who aren’t Conservative Republican Christians. Sad for them……….

Happy Holidays and God Bless all of you!
I hope you remember at some point during your celebrations this season, to thank the Marine’s, American Soldier’s and Service members, and their families, that have served this country to preserve the opportunity for you to freely state your opinions.
Marine Mom……. Thank you and Semper Fi!!

Searambler 1:52pm post. And that is your choice, and none of us can force you to any other belief. It is your choice for you to believe what you believe, vice versa. There is a lack of respect though from both parties, and it just happens that the Christian is in the limelight most of the time. There is a hate for christians due to them losing what they forgot brought them to the belief system, which is the grace that God had that motivated them. They get involved into following any set of denomonational views and forget about the greatest thing, which is love, compassion, and mutual respect for anyone at all, even in their own ranks. Its sad to say at the least, and all you can do is just try to get through to them in a manner that is acceptable, even if it is just small talk, becasue thats usually all they can handle as they are still on basics. Christians need to get away from politics. Its an illusion, and sets us all up against each other. Their walk should be more
important to them.
God said this is not our kingdom, so why make it so? Just roll with the times, help anyone better themselves you can, and be a positive figure, and then one will have respect with all.

My opinion was that this picture was a fake. In my experiance as a astrophotographer and amateur astronomer, there is room for many explainable errors in this picture. But try explaining that to a Christian who is hell bent on what he/she believes it to be without checks and balances.
My whole point was, if you believe everything the media tells you, no matter the source, you are lost, pretty story or not, this is as bad as a fake UFO pic to me given my 25 yr photography experiance.

All of you people that think it is a camera anomaly didn’t read the story. She saw the beam WITHOUT the camera and then tried to capture it on camera, hoping that the camera would pick it up.

@DSAFS, I’m calling your bluff. I doubt you have ONE photo that looks anything like this one. Prove me wrong. Send me ONE example. I doubt I’ll be hearing from you.

The picture was clearly taken through a pane of glass. With the right angle I could create the same effect on a squirrel in my backyard.

Sad story, yes. But lame piece of news. Belongs on the parents’ facebook page.

Also, why is there an add for Mormon.org on the banner of this website?? And a pop-up that I couldn’t dump despite clicking a hundred times.

I know that it is comforting to many people to see God everywhere. You know who it is REALLY comforting to? Al Qaeda. Let’s all work hard to get God (ours and theirs) out of the news, and above all our wars. Keep him in your heart. And to yourself.

It’s a human interest story for goodness sake, not hard news. Why the atheists getting their drawers in a bunch is beyond me.

Interesting… you atheists who demand PC respect for your unbelief, then turn around and make rude, ugly, demeaning and disgusting comments about someone else’s faith. Those remarks on this story are so unnecessary. Why make those nasty comments at all? Just like Bill Maher, you just show your ignorance and disrespect for anyone’s beliefs but your own. I pity you sad sacks who have no faith and no hope. Pity. Is that how you want to be seen? Well, that is how you ARE seen.

For those who want an explanation for a child dying before having a chance to really live…check out reincarnation. It is totally compatible with Christianity, yet explains the unesplainable. I have had unshakable belief in reincarnation since junior high school…over 50 years ago. Read about it, see how it answers your questions. Is it necessary to believe in it? NO of course not! But it WILL show you answers and give you peace. Just remember, it is a “philosphy”, not a religion.

PRAISE GOD!
HE HATH SHOW US A SIGN THAT WE MITE KNOW THAT OUR NATION IS DIVINLY GUIDE
GOD BLESS THE SOLDURS IN IRAQ – BEHOLD THE HAND OF THE LORD
BLESSES BE GOERGE BUSH DIVINLY GUIDE

This has happened to me many a time. Out of the clouds a beam of light no where else in the sky will shine brightly on me, through a 20 story building window, a rainy day at the park… Always when I needed reassurance the most. We are truly blessed. Peace

Shame on you narrow minded people and nay sayers who doubt the “Not Photoshopped: Beam of Light Shines on Fallen Soldier’s Miracle Dog”. You all have a lot to learn about life, or should I say, death. If you believe in any hereafter, why then, is it so hard to believe that our deceased loved ones can and DO communicate to us from the other side?

I have had several encounters with orbs and more. I have seen and I believe, but blessed are those who believe without having had their own personal experience!

For those who didn’t get the meaning of this, too bad for you. Maybe you are lucky in your life that you never had to wonder about a loved one who passed. For those who did, its a truly wonderful reminder that our loved ones are precious and wonderful and remembered. And the universe, or God, however you know him to be, knows our pain; it needs no further explanation. Blessings on the family, the lost soldier, and the dog.

“Yes exactly the sort of drivel that keeps us from questioning the futility of the boy’s death in the first place. Ah well.

POSTED BY: KEN | NOVEMBER 25, 2011, 1:39 AM 1:39 AM”

No, not drivel. Ponder this. As you will UNDOUBTEDLY discover…..You cannot leave here, nor can you stay here, even for a nanosec, unless it be the will of God.

We live in a time when hatred is correct. There are far many more silent readers that think the photo is beautiful as I do. Let modern ideas explain away a most rare moment. The moment and the photo is yours. To everyone else who hates, take a picture of yourself, then take a long hard look. You won’t find a rainbow.

i am not american, but i am so sorry to see how fellow americans fail to respect the memory and family of one of their own soldiers.is it too much asking to let a family of a deceased soldier find happiness and solace?

Magical, invisible friends are for idiots.

Can’t we simply let a woman who lost her son bask in a moment that brings her a little bit of joy without it becoming a religious/atheist hate blog? Truly sad. This nation has lost all sense of decency.

I’m not a photographer; however, I do believe extroadinary things can happen at any given time on this planet without rhyme or reason. I’ve read enough blogs to realize that you have those who haven’t any belief regarding religion to afterlife, to those who totally believe in something more than everyday, “hum de dum” existance. Being a spiritual person but not all knowing, I won’t dismiss this photo as a “gag.” I’d rather believe now & find out there’s nothing, than NOT believe & find out there is.

If it was Photoshopped I hope it would look better…

Yes. Yes,… Virginia, there is a reasonable explanation.
But let our existential dispair paddle its own boat for a minute.
When did our sense of compassion and wonder expire?

A majority of Americans believe that hell is an actual place, that there are ghosts, etc. etc.
Why? Because someone told them so, beginning with evil men who took fairy tales and utilized them to impose social control.
Poor dumb b*****ds.

The refraction could be caused by very humid air catching the sun’s rays and creating the vertical rainbow effect; I take photos and have one print in a moist woodland area where this occurred. A second factor could be the angle of the sun to cause the lightest central shaft. A third factor could be sunlight bouncing off a piece of the camera causing the circular spots. What is not explained is why the dog walked over to that spot.
When God said, “Let there be light”, He spoke with power.

Tread carefully here. Not all “ghosts” are benign. One or more may take umbrage and may also take the opportunity to get to know you in the flesh, as it were.
Posted by: Maria Trujillo | November 27, 2011, 8:57 pm.

Bwahahahahahahahaha! I’m sorry, but I find this statement to be hilarious! Bring it on, ghosts! Take umbrage at ME and do your worst! Come on, ghosts! What are you waiting for? Are y’all out doing your nails right now? BRING IT ON!!!!! :D

Sorry but as a professional photographer I can reliably tell you that what you describe as a narrow beam of light on the dog is actually the sunlight hitting your camera lens – I can clearly see the ‘ghost images’ of the lens iris – an internal lens reflection, and the beam-like light is merely the consequence of not using a lens shade.. It would really have been at the center of the camera frame of whatever object or subject your camera was trained on…

Regardless of belief it is a fault of the reporter to allow personal belief to influence the story content which is obvious here.
To the readers; Let those who take comfort in the image/story be satisfied with what they receive for the scriptures clearly show communication from your higher authority is specific to the recipient. If you did not get it, or don’t believe it, ignore it because it wasnt ment for you. If your disappointed in the content and think another type of story would have been better reporting, realize that there are plenty of other stories about all the things you mentioned you could have read instead. The world is depressing enough with violence and oppression, why do you begrudge an attempt at a feel-good story that might actually lift someone’s spirits for a moment.

“Sorry but as a professional photographer I can reliably tell you that what you describe as a narrow beam of light on the dog is actually the sunlight hitting your camera lens…” (Klaus Schoenwiese). Wow. I have been an active photographer for many years, sometimes professionally, and Klaus, yeah…you’re flat out lying. You cannot “reliably” tell us much at all about the the photo, let alone with the phony confidence and absolute assurance that your explanation is correct, in part or entirely. Get real, and get honest.

@David Roche: Religious meaning aside, would it kill you to hold your tongue and have a little respect for families that are mourning their lost ones? Being able to hope that their son is in a better place is about all these grieving parents have to hold onto. I know you feel brave behind the curtain of anonymity that is the internet, but you don’t have to be a d-bag. If you don’t agree with the contents of the article, simply navigate away from the page. Obviously, you didn’t have anything profound or noteworthy to put forth, so save some breath and reduce carbon emissions.

It is lens flare! Now all you Jesus freaks need some good ole Mortification!

JOHNDD | NOVEMBER 25, 2011, 1:47 PM 1:47 PM

I agree John. Nothing here but a lens flare. The reporter claiming that the sky opened up and then closed again is simply not true. It is exaggerated to create a story that didn’t exist. This is a case of a reporter trying to make news rather than break news. It is evidence of what’s wrong with journalism and Christians. Journalism is sensationalist tripe with little grasp on reality and Christians are so bent on believing anything they are told to that they neglect to simply use their minds and see reality. Sick, sad country.

“I agree John. Nothing here but a lens flare. The reporter claiming that the sky opened up and then closed again is simply not true.”
Posted by: “Functional Intellect” (Obvious irony intended, I suppose.)
And you know this, how again? Especially the second part — you were there? No, you weren’t. Why not stop BSing so badly and with such absurdly juvenile bias, and so laughably pompously.

Refusing to agree this is incredible is not a sign of bitterness. It’s certainly not a sign of being “out of the loop” in understanding the nature of our universe. Lens flare is lens flare. Meanwhile, young men die. For whatever reason, they die before their time, and it is an unmitigated tragedy. It is not lessened by a photograph of a dog, however ‘wondrous.’

I’m sorry, but this interesting photo does not stack up in “deeper meaning” next to the reality of young men who will never know the life they could have had. You can dismiss this, be offended I don’t share your views. I’m offended at any attempt to conflate this as justification – however convoluted or ‘spiritual’ – for the deaths of our young people and the deaths of other innocents in the name of war.

For those who say “hey, man – lighten up! What’s wrong with a nice story for a change?” I say to them: you’re welcome to your opinion. In my opinion, it’s not a nice story. It’s an attempt to make the reality palatable. I don’t think it should ever be made palatable. If you can’t endure the suffering of the reality – then don’t go to war.

Puff pieces are fine. Just don’t try and sell it as a reason we should accept the deaths of our young. “Cool photo” is what this deserves. No more.

They don’t call you “Joe Blow” for nuthin’. Keep on blowing mostly meaningless hot air. And yes, you are more than a bit bitter. Fer sure, and a sad lol.

When’s the last time you SAW a beam of light shining in the air? Light needs something to reflect on to be seen, so that means that either A) The outdoors was absolutely FILLED with smoke, dust, or fog, which obviously isn’t the case from looking at the photo, or B) this person caught a lens flare or a light artifact from a window glass.

Look, you can even see the typical round lens flares running through the center of the “beam”. There’s also a grid pattern apparent in the “beam” that looks like this was shot through a window with a screen.

There’s nothing wrong with getting excited about simple, unexpected moments in life like a fortuitous lens flare, but i don’t think it’s healthy for people to believe they’re something that they’re not.

“Isn’t it enough to see that a garden is beautiful without having to believe that there are fairies at the bottom of it too?” — Douglas Adams

TC, stop playing those video games and posting silly garbage, and clean up your room just as I told you to do earlier. Then do your homework. I don’t want you to repeat 7th grade — yet again.
Your Frustrated Mom

can we just look at the picture for what it is- a picture… don’t analyze it, don’t criticize it, just accept it for what it is… a dog in a beam of sunshine that brought someone a positive feeling… end of story. no politics. no religion. no morals/ethics. Just a dog in a beam of light that produced a positive feeling.

Come on people, it’s obvious that this dog is really one of those vampire dogs from the twilight series.

@ Joe Blow
Sorry, but lol to you — you really are just a bitter, self-inflated windbag. If you could read your absurdly patronizing, school-marmish posts as most others do, you’d then see how silly you are being. But since you can’t, or won’t, then please continue lurching on and pretending you are somehow wise and full of…cr…uh…common sense. Quite laughable, yet still slightly sad.

This is one of those moments that I’m not really happy to be called an American… not the story itself is the issue…. it’s the comments from the peanut gallery. seriously folks you complain and moan all day about how bad it is. for once in your poor lives just can it and enjoy the moment. if you can’t just go complain somewhere else.

@cartoonman

I don’t serve fries.

Still waiting for you to put forth your own ideas to stand on their own merits, as opposed to insults.

@John Davis – if that’s all it takes for you to regret being called an American – then you need to toughen up. I don’t feel the same way over the differences of opinion expressed here.

in reference to “for once in your poor lives just can it and enjoy the moment.” Complaining about this post, and about how bad war and death are don’t add up to being unhappy about life in general, by the way. I’m about to go eat a steak, cooked just the way I like it. Then I think I’ll make love to my wife and take an afternoon nap. I promise, I will enjoy all of these moments fully.

It’s just bizarre to me how upset some people get when you don’t like their music.

It is a pretty picture. Love the dog.

I’m off.

you know, it was a great and impressive shot. dust shining and all!! all the critics just back off and enjoy the “magick ofthe moment” that woman needed something from her son and then there it was. when my grandfather passed it was a very overcast sky with the clouds low and heavy and at the moment of his death the clouds parted and a this brilliant beam of light shown down on the house. i was inside and didn’t realize it but my daughter ( who by the way questions the exhistance of God) was outside driving in from behind the house) saw it happen. i called her cell to tell her he was gone and she said ” i know, heaven just opened to let him in” so for all of you trying to bring this even down. stop and remember if you have ever felt so hurt that you needed something from someone beyond this realm and then there is something quite extrordinary right in front of you, could it be a message from …. or just a happy coincidence of dust particles twinklling in a ray of sunshine that just happened to break through clouds just as your last connection with a precious loved one turned to look at you. yeah i’m going with ” isn’t that something”

C’mon folks. Let them have their miracle. It’s not like they are trying to force us to believe it. Why should we try to force them NOT to believe it.

So they just left the mama and other puppies there? Sad.

Some of you miss the point of this story. There is no message of god, jesus or the virgin herself here. The mother clearly said “are you in there?” for all we know, this loving mother believed in reincarnation or our souls as free moving energy.

“Can anyone guess why the USA has become the laughing stock of the planet? We are, indeed, a ship of fools.
Can we get off the shiny dog for a second and go back to Congress selling itself to the Fortune 500 at the expense of the 99%? No, not interesting? How about alternatives to fossil fuels? Not interesting? How about the Patriot Act gutting the rights of every single American in very substantial ways for the last decade? Not interesting? Okay, I guess we have un-photoshopped sparkly dogs to talk about. That’s enough to satisfy your job description, right?
I particularly enjoy the conflation of several internet memes in just one piece of pablum: the “ooh shiny” meme, the “sign from dog” meme, and the “American exceptionalism” meme. What the writer wishes us to believe is that this sparkly dog is an ooh shiny sign from God that an invasion of a sovereign nation in an illegal war that killed some 600,000 (say that to yourself a few times) innocents and more than 4,000 of our own that we are on the right track. Hypocrite is too nice a word for such a framework of beliefs.
I can’t really find fault in the laughter of the rest of the planet. We have learned to embrace how we so suck. Can I get an amen? (ABC News has deleted this comment once already. Think you have journalism anymore? Me either.)” — POSTED BY: PABLUM_FED_SINCE_911

Deserves repeating.

@David said: “C’mon folks. Let them have their miracle. It’s not like they are trying to force us to believe it…”

Examine history.

Please stop calling me a skeptic in regards to matters of magic. Skepticism implies questioning or doubt. I have neither when it comes to magical God rays; karma; or any other silly fairy tale people have been willing to murder each other over for the last few thousand years.

And for your imaginary God’s sake – please don’t feel sorry for me. You’re already loaded up with nonsensical concerns as it is. Don’t add worrying about me to the list. If Hell does exist after all, I’d much rather be honest and burn than have to live with all you self-righteous, judgmental people for eternity!

Why couldn’t they have brought the “last human” saved by Justin? It could have been an old Iraqi village elder, or an orphan, or whoever. I think the issue is that they don’t care much about human life.

I feel sorry for anyone who does not see the beauty in this story. A mother loses her son, fighting for our freedom, and finds comfort and peace in this dog that her son helped to rescue. It very simple, and allows us to see God is still working miracles. Open your eyes, you might see more every day

ABC!!! We are not children, we are science believing materialists that need EVIDENCE!! There is nothing magic about a dog and there’s nothing even nice about a shining light on the dog of a dead vet. There is only evolution then death in the dirt. God Bless

A lot of supsertituous people here. It’s a pretty photo. That’s it.

I am a photographer who has had their material shown such photojournalistic sites as Flickr and Webshots so I would call myself an authority on images. I have created the same effect of this light by placing minute dropules of oil onto my camera lens but only after having completed my version of the Empire State Building in replica out of recycled popsicle sticks. The prism that was created is an astonishing mathematical equation wrapped in science and evolution while big banging. There was no magic or religion that I saw. Only a semi evolved dog and elementary school physics.

Hero has friends in high places! Having worked in the public safety arena on behalf of and with the dying and the dead, particularly those who suffered sudden and violent deaths, and their surviving families, a photo and story like that don’t surprise me. Hero is a powerful healing presence in that circle of family and friends. Her unique connection to the young soldier, the surviving soldiers, and to his family helps them to remain bonded in a physical and visible way. More power to her! I am also a photographer…. Take the light for whatever you choose, but I’ve seen enough of the ugliest and saddest physical endings on earth to accept it for what it is. Peace.

I have had paranormal experiences after the loss of a beloved pet. I have captured his face in an orb over his burial site. I have orbs on YouTube “Orbs by Patti.” Almost all near death experiencers experience brilliant light. To those who call this mere lens flare, they are right to a point, but I have experimented a lot with lens flare and like someone said above, this is not like any lens flare I have seen. You get LARGE balls of pink and green colors, not small colored orbs in a beam like this. And even if it is lens flare, did it EVER occur to all the doubters posting here that God could use lens flare to let Justin’s family know Justin is OK. The fact that it had such a profound impact on the interviewer/photographer AND Justin’s parents adds the most credibility to this story. Wonderful, wonderful story. I feel sorry for all the negative posters. It is truly their loss. Open your mind and hearts….. With God, all things are possible.

So are we to infer from this that God has decided, out of all the soldiers, teenagers with moms and dads at home, young adults with spouses and children at home and their whole life ahead of them–out of all these soldiers who have been brutally killed, God has drawn the line at this dog? “Today, I will have no more killing. You know what, today the dog lives.” With a god like that who diarrhea?

I’m a pagan agnostic, so I have no Christian beliefs, but I’m still having a laugh at the bitter vitriol being flung at this story by leftist rabble. They’re almost as funny as those bums camping out and befouling public property who call themselves “the 99%”. They cannot BEAR or IMAGINE anyone caring about anything they don’t care about. Welcome to reality, you impotent idealogues! :D

How you can belittle a man’s life that was already lost on account of a fraudulant war by this simple fluff that you want to label miraculous just to sell more tampax and detergent on television. My apologies to the dog.

To the people who say the photo is shoped, watch the video…it is a beam of light showing through the leaves on the tree. Take it how you wish, everyone will see what they want. I for one see a beautiful thing, no matter how you look at it. His parents, family and friends find comfort in this precious puppy. And no matter what you think Justin Rollin did touch this dogs life before he died.

Squidman are you absolutely sure that it was not George W Bush that sent him there, as far as I remember he was the one that started sacrific0mg young American men for the profit of oil interest. Get your story straight and allow the family that lost their son some closure. Does it matter if the pic is real or not? Really. What matters is how people have the nerve to write their garbage under a sweet story like this.

How come Hero’s brown splotch switches between the left and right side of her face all through the piece??

Thanks ABC for this beautiful article. It is wonderful when souls communicate to us through natural wonders across dimensions of time and space. The photo of the clouds parting and a beam of light shining directly on Hero at just the moment of your interview with the fallen young man’s family members is priceless.

Wow, it’s a sign allright. A sign the reporter here, has no integrity at all. It’s not a beam of sunlight, like some stage light shining on the dog. It’s a lens flare. Nothing supernatural at all. Pathetic that this is made out to be something divine. But, believers are pretty gullible. So, I’m not surprised. The idiot who said there are ORBS in the photo and they are entities without bodies isn’t any more foolish than any of the other believers in here. Absolutely pathetic.

fake

I cannot get excited about a little bit of lens flare.

Seriously, watch the video again. As the camera moves, the flare comes and goes.

Sorry about your kid folks – soldiers get killed, and it would tear me up if it were my boy. But dirty optics do not a miracle make.

Dee: kid from a good family rant. Your parents are what you will become. Nothing will change except your cookie-cutter upper-miidle class dumb kid political views.

Some people see statues weeping blood and Jesus in toast. Just a matter of personal irrationality.

While this is very sweet, dogs like to go in the warm sun. So it doesn’t surprise me that she lingered in that spot.

Wow! I never knew that my cruddy videography of my kids at the beach, resulting in sun flare effects on the film, was actually irrefutable proof that my kids have been visited by spirits. It’s a two-fer! bI am absolved of being a bad videographer and my kids get blessed! Woo-Hoo!!!

OK…FOR all the nay-sayers. Why turn this TRUE STORY into a negative outlashing? IT IS WHAT IT IS…I my self have seen the sun beam break thru tall trees like that. The fact it landed on the dog at that time was awesome….by literal definition…period. The story without the sun beam was amazing in and of itself, and the sunbeam just (by coincidence?) added to the heart-felt feeling of the entire story. Maybe EVERY sunbeam is a smile from GOD…..who knows that it ISN’T? So to say that it touched many people’s hearts by it’s coincidence is no crime. Let it go! It is what it is! It happened.

does this mean that God wants us to be killing innocent civilians in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya and maybe all across the globe…. i doubt that….

for all you so called “Christian” warmongers, answer me this

who would Jesus bomb…

“Ye have heard that it bath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say Unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”

This is ALMOST as amazing as the lady who thought there was a conspiracy being carried out because of the rainbows she saw in her sprinkler. Yay science, and yay lens flares!

Have we gone back to dark ages? agreed there is sun light but this whole halo effect is create by lense flare + dirty lense.

That rainbow that shows through the stream in my garden hose when I tilt my camera the right way is not photoshopped either.

Makes a nice photo but is easily explainable.

News at 11, gravitational acceleration is 9.8m/s ^2

We salute this soldier and his family for their service.

I saw a beautiful sunbeam this morning. Unfortunately, no one had died in the recent past, and I had to accept that it was just a beautiful sunbeam. I suppose the sunbeam could have given me comfort had I been upset about something, but no, I was feeling quite happy.

@Searambler You’re responses are spot on and I applaud your demeanor. You’re not being obnoxious, just rational. I am a veteran and former christian. It’s depressing that some of these people can’t find meaning in their life without the possibility of an eternal life. I live a damn good life and I’m very satisfied with it while I try to make life better for others. I volunteer my time and I donate to charities. Some people don’t seem to understand that we can care about other people without having it ordered by some superior being. I truly feel for the family but a dog is no substitute for a son. I find it baffling that people are calling this a heartwarming story.

If we do happen to be wrong and there is a heaven where all the believers sit in the company of a narcissistic, vengeful, megalomaniacal god and worship him for all eternity, I suspect that’s probably where I’ll end up because that is my version of hell. I’ve enjoyed your posts. Keep it up.

There is no way that the story is correct, the flare became first noticeable only after the photo was taken, not before. I am a photographer by hobby and anyone with half a brain should be able to tell this is from an artificial light source and even that is iffy, it really seems like a computer generated beam, the shadow of the dog is from the Sun, the beam would have eliminated the shadow generated from the Sun and caused a different shadow, that beam seems to have been generated if it is real from about 15- 20 feet above ground, not the Sun, so the shadow is the the pudding. That’s where the proof is. Also, one last point, the beam seems to go in front of the dog and not around it which points out overlapping computer effects.

A lens flare made this person questions her beliefs about an after life? By that logic, a well done card trick might convince her of almost anything!

“Is THIS your card?”

“Why yes, it is! How did you DO that?”

“Magic, for I am am an all-knowing sorcerer! By the way, the Loch Ness Monster is REAL!”

“I believe you unquestioningly! “

It’s cool photo but a sad reminder that this soldier probably fought a war based on money so that the 1% can keep riding high on the hog. People wake up… America and it’s government have entered a new era of greed and corruption. we are no better than some of the places we conquer for land and oil. Ask yourself why we never pull out of a 3rd world country and why Halliburton and huge companies build buildings there and take over. we never pull out of the places we conquer …. we are slowly but surely forcing our will and greed on the world.

Let me get this straight. If I say it’s a lens flare, I’m angry, depressed, hate America, hate God, hate the military, am a Democrat, a Liberal, take drugs, rape women, and eat babies?

Wow, a real life everyday miracle! God shined a beam of light on a dog. Sure, he could have pointed our attention to the AIDS epidemic in Africa, or the human rights violations in North Korea, but a beam of light on a dog, that’s priority #1!

Wow, what a bunch of nasty posters on this board. Shame on the lot of you, and for the poster who wrote that Justin could not come back as a dog, no one ever said that. His family thought that the BEAM might be him, NOT the dog. I read a lot of rude, vile posts on various boards, but those of you who dissed this family are beyond belief.

God bless the soldiers and God bless the puppies.

“Let me get this straight. If I say it’s a lens flare, I’m angry, depressed, hate America, hate God, hate the military, am a Democrat, a Liberal, take drugs, rape women, and eat babies?” (Tom)

No, silly rhetorical quizzer, Tom — if you say it’s just a lens flare, then you are merely ignorant (and perhaps didn’t even look carefully at the video and pictures), or you do actually know it’s not just “lens flare” and are yet very poorly lying about it. The rest of your quite apt characterization may indeed follow from that, as has been the very persistent and clear pattern here on these comments, but it need not necessarily be so. One may, of course, merely be ignorant and/or willfully deluded, and yet not be stale sleaze from the left. Get it? Simple logic.

As has been noted, just common or garden lens flare. How can a journalist supposedly familiar with current ENG equipment, mistake it for anything else?

“As has been noted, just common or garden lens flare.”
POSTED BY: LLANCE
It has been dishonestly “noted” and misguidedly claimed many times here, actually. It is NOT merely “lens flare”. Sorry, but merely saying it over and over won’t make it true. Adults understand this.

this story made ​​me cry of admiration and respect for animals, and by this brave and kind-hearted soldie

It is called a lens flare, people.

A miracle would be if the soldier was still alive and he wasn’t sent off by our government to die.

It’s a miracle! A divine ray of sunlight reflecting on the middle of a lens in the middle of a photo with Lassy dog coincidentally standing in the middle of the frame! WOW! Isn’t that an astonishing coincidence!!! It has to be supernatural without any minute doubt at all because I said so.

I’m sure I can see funny little faces and animals in the background – kind of like blending in amongst the branches and leaves. It looks like a devil’s head above the dog in the top half!

Simple! Called a sun flare on the camera lens, where the sun strikes the lens in a manner of light piercing through a prism. Happens a lot when facing the camera towards the sun.

Yes, the supernatural explanation is far more likely than a coincidental lens flare or crepuscular ray. I have no doubt it happened exactly as described – after all, humans are extremely reliable observers. Especially the superstitious ones.

American’s are morons.

Mysterious light?- Yeah found it, it’s the sun.

What a great story, nice reprieve from the usual doom and gloom on every news station every day. Do I think it’s spiritual? Absolutely. Faith. Look up the definition. “2.Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof”….How easy it is to believe in what can be proven. 1+1=2. Wow that’s intelligent. Simply put, you have to have an open mind, and intelligence enough to not be imprisoned by “proofs” alone.

I agree with all the people who believe. Those of you who think this story is terrible or not news worthy should really look deep inside yourselfs and figure out if your human! This is a touching story of love, loyalty and freedom. The boys that are fighting for your freedoms deserve better respect than you going on about politics or how silly or how news worthy this is and don’t even talk about religion unless you have one! I am disgusted by the comments left by miserable know it alls who naysay this photo. Go work for the government or better yet leave the country and go live in Afganistan or India or some other country where you might actually have something to complain about. Shame on you all!