Fearless, Godly, and Humble: The story of Joan de Arc

She worked as a farm girl. She fought as a warrior. She was remembered as a saint. Joan de Arc, more commonly known as Joan of Arc, was France’s Savior. It is hard to believe that she was born an ordinary farm girl. In France, no one believed that a girl, especially one born of a farmer could save Orleans, but Joan proved them wrong. In fact, the smug Englishmen discounted Joan as a silly girl untrained for battle. Although victorious, Joan’s trial and subsequent death showed her enemies’ obvious distaste for her presence. Regardless of their hatred, there is no doubt that it was Joan’s strategy that changed the course of the war for the French.
In a small town during the Hundred Years War, a girl named Joan worked on a farm with her brothers. Their father, Jacques, was a government official in their town. Joan learned to sew from her mother, Isabel. Some may find it difficult to believe, but one day, when Joan was 13, she heard voices in the trees and a bright light the sun alone could never have made. At first, she was afraid, but once she realized they were voices from Heaven, she had never felt so happy in her life. Simultaneously, an important French city called Orleans was in danger. Charles VII’s throne was in danger. He had not even been properly crowned king because most of France had no confidence in his ability to lead. Charles, in turn, did not care for ruling a kingdom. The city was surrounded. The English had cannons. Orleans had nothing. They prayed for an army but no one was there to defend them. The soldiers moved closer to the King’s palace. Joan prepared to literally drag the indolent Charles off his couch to fight for the rights of the French. Back in Joan’s town, the v...

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...ter. Even when Joan had visions, she never told anyone. Joan was sensitive, but she was also strong-willed and determined. She showed both personalities while defeating the French during the Hundred Years War. Today, Joan is an inspiration. During her time, she was known throughout England as a religious heretic. However, she was France’s savior. King Charles VII, who probably would not have been alive if it had not been for Joan, did nothing when she had been captured. Although people were fearful of Joan’s strength, labeling her a witch, many people see Joan as a heroine. In this regard, approximately 500 years after her death, she was exonerated of her crimes. In fact, in 1920, Joan was proclaimed a saint by the Catholic Church. Joan’s story is inspirational. It teaches people that with strength and determination they can achieve their toughest goals.