The questioning went on for weeks, yet the churchmen could not find any fault in Joan. Therefore, the investigation ceased in mid-April, for Joan was pronounced “a good Christian and Catholic” by the churchmen. With this opposition out of the way, the path was clear for Joan to continue God’s mission. She was now able to lead her small army onward to Orleans. Joan arrived at Orleans on April 29, 1429. Word had already spread about the arrival of Joan, and many came to see her. The people of Orleans saw Joan as a magnificent symbol of hope. Joan told the people that it was God that they were to put their trust in, not herself. After all, it was God who gave her the important mission in the first place. Joan put all her faith in him, knowing …show more content…
After the fighting, Joan went to sleep in her quarters. During the night, some of her men and other townsfolk, arrogant with the victories of the day, pressed on toward a significant English fort called Saint Loup. The opposing force was too strong, and the men were in the midst of suffering from defeat. All hope of victory seemed lost to the falling French men. Joan was almost asleep in her quarters when she heard the voices of the angels. They told her about the fighting, and Joan immediately suited up and armed herself. Mounted on her horse, she rode through the streets to the area of battle. Joan found herself in the middle of the dangerous fighting, yet she remained more levelheaded than any other commander out on the field. The battle ended up being won, along with the fort. In the following days, Joan led continuous victories in capturing the forts around Orleans. In the fight for the English fort Les Tourelles, Joan was greatly injured by an arrow that struck herself between her neck and shoulder. Tears fell from her eyes, but Joan was said to have seen her saints and she quickly recovered and bandaged herself. Having overcome her grave injury, Joan led one last assault on Les Tourelles. The fort was won, and the English drew back from all of Orleans on May 8, 1429. Joan had successfully revealed the first sign in giving the people of Orleans their …show more content…
In all of her battles, whether she was out on the battlefield or inside a court room, Joan never lost faith in God. She may have had doubts in herself, but she always had firm trust that God was always guiding her towards victory. With God’s help, Joan was able to persevere through many difficult situations. However, Joan expressed her strong will, wit, and strength through her actions in choosing to fight for France. She could have said no to the command of God, yet she said yes. I know I would have been terrified if I was commanded to lead an army and liberate a whole country. Joan was terrified at first, but she was calmed with the knowledge that God would help her. At this present moment, I do not know if I have a strong enough faith to put complete trust in God. Even at the young age of thirteen, Joan showed that she had a firm faith, for she was already willing to put her life on the line. It is Joan’s incredibly strong faith that I wish to imitate; maybe not so that I can liberate a country, but so that I can live my life with more ease, knowing that God is always by my