You can find the story on youtube and meet the central characters – Theodore Malgorne the lighthouse-keeper and Jean Guichard the photographer. Just type in ‘La Jument Lighthouse’ and voila, the story will appear. In 1989, during a huge storm off the coast of Brittany, Jean Guichard chartered a helicopter to photograph waves hitting La Jument. But at his aerial approach, Theodore surprisingly opened the door and stood in the threshold, precisely as the wave was making its impact at the rear of the lighthouse.

A copy hangs near my fireplace, and never fails to capture my attention and imagination. I think it’s the juxtaposition of extreme danger and exceptional ease; namely the enormous destructive power of a wave about to swamp the lighthouse, and the lighthouse-keeper’s casual posture – hand in pocket, comfortable stance, easy glance. (Thankfully he realized his predicament and quickly closed the door; and both men lived to tell the tale.)

The iconic photo quickly takes me to another strong tower, and the comfort of standing inside its solid walls while the storms of life rage outside. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” The first part of the sentence is easily pictured, but the second seems somewhat forbidding. Who am I to be considered righteous? But the Book quickly gives its counsel and encouragement: They are righteous who love the Lamb, and all such ones are entitled, invited, and enabled to seek shelter in the storm.