A mere girl Saint Joan
A mere girl- Saint JoanThe Power of Moral and Spiritual Courage- Saint Joan There is no such thing as a simple life, only a life that�s never been truly lived. Within the life of every soul there often comes a time when self value is considered. How valuable can one possibly be? Unfortunately, the conclusions are not always that satisfying. Yet, if one were to truly take a deep look within, perhaps, the genuine answer could be found. If only one could gain the courage to find that inner meaning, it would be revealed that life is actually quite a magnificent ride. Bernard Shaw illuminates all the wonderful possibilities through Saint Joan; in it readers witness the life of one of the most courageous leaders of all time: who rose to the level of a spiritual leader. �One thousand like me can stop them. Ten like me can stop them with God on our side" Saint Joan immediately illuminates one�s heart as a candle light in the dark, through her righteousness and firm belief in God that procure the start of a wonderful journey. As Joan so courageously stands amongst the many soldiers, she brings her voices and convictions to life. Through her total faith in God she attracts many followers and she begins to spur a new hope within the people of France. Her wild insane dreams of raising the siege of Orleans, crowning the Dauphin and declaring France�s independence brings about a comforting feeling for the people of France. In contrast, her vision also stirs new emotions within many perfidious congregations, resulting in horrendous accusations. Misbelivers declare Joan as an impostor, sorcerer, liar and mad woman. Nevertheless, Joan�s strong beliefs triumph over all conventional dogma's. Her remarkable courage results in the new found faith within the people of France. The nature of her being is characterized as one of inspiration, love and faith. The courage of one fragile soldier, becomes the strength and backbone of France�s faith. At this point Joan�s legacy goes as far as living out her prophecies by raising the siege of Orleans, and Crowning the Dauphin in Rheims Cathedral. In doing so, Joan begins to revive the faith of God by the thousands. Her bravery and passion become recognized and appreciated within the world. Yet, at the same time Joan�s increasing popularity and publicity begins to cause greater friction amongst her enemies. Joan, fully aware of the dangers and consequences awaiting her, disregards all evil notions, continues her journey, and stays true to her God. Through this, Joan illustrates the true power of her bravery and spirit, her constant devotion to God is one of great significance, which is strongly affirmed through the portrayal of her capture. Subjected to a trial that reeks of treachery and deception, Joan continues to remain by herself, yet her moral courage gleam through the many lies and deception that attempt to obliterate her. �Do not think that you can frighten me by telling me that I am alone. France is alone; and God is alone; and what is my loneliness before the loneliness of my country and my God? I see now that the loneliness of God is his strength: What would he be if he listened to your jealous little councils? Well, my loneliness shall be my strength too; It is better to be alone with God; His friendship will not fail me, nor his counsel, nor his love. And so, God be with me�Joan�s bravery exceeds human limits when she courageously speaks down to her persecutors, and vocalizes the rightful will of the Lord. Courage and will seem to be at their strongest points during this trial. After the trial displays a sense of weakness. She unknowingly establishes a bond to the audience that illustrates her humanity. After hours of ruthless subjugation, the persecutors announce Joan�s death penalty. This invokes an overwhelming fear in Joan, �It is true: my voices have deceived me. I have been mocked by devils: my faith is broken. I have dared and dared; but only a fool will walk into a fire; God who gave me my common sense, cannot will me to that.� Joan�s fear is not a product of cowardice, rather the result of confusion. Joan�s inspirational reign of hope was perhaps for a moment lost within the common people of France, but it would soon be returned. Joan�s last act of true spiritual bravery begins when the Bishop reads out the sentence. It is at this point that Joan realizes a truer meaning, in life...�I knew that your counsel is the devil, and that mine is God� The act of total sacrifice restores her faith, and gives a true sense of belonging. Her final words leave the world with perhaps, the most memorable acts of spiritual courage. �His ways are not your ways, He wills that I go through the fire of his bosom; for I am His child, and you are not fit that I should live among you. That is my last word to you.�With these final, fearless, memorable words Joan courageously walks to her execution. She holds her head held high, and her spirit gleams with goodness, and purity. In Saint Joan�s most precious act of self sacrifice. Saint Joan of Arc is the true epitome of courage and strength. Her valiant acts throughout the very short duration of her life were righteously divine and inspirational. Through the life of Saint Joan, one is given the opportunity to witness how truly extraordinary a simple life can be. For Saint Joan, was a mere girl commanding troops. A mere girl maintaining the dreams of France. A mere girl spreading the belief in God and his word. A mere girl whose spiritual courage and strength had no limits. A mere girl that illustrated the true beauty of love, compassion and devotion. A mere girl we now call a saint.