Long years of war had impoverished and divided her country when Joan received promptings that she had a purpose to fulfill which was to help liberate her oppressed country. At first people scoffed at her ideas and felt that she was a little crazy. Nevertheless, she persisted and was eventually able to see the king.
King Charles VII of France was so impressed with the fact that Joan curtsied to him after recognizing him amongst the ranks of the army which he had occupied in order to trick her, that he gave her command over his 12,000 troops. At first the French soldiers didn't want to obey her, but once seeing the success that came from following her orders, they came to look upon her as their leader.
Joan of Arc issued orders that seemed to be those of a military genius, and in spite of being wounded twice, she and her army liberated the besieged city of Orleans in 1429 and defeated the English in four other battles.
She was captured at Compiegne by English allies during the Battle of Paris and sold to the English for 16,000 francs. She was imprisoned, tried as a heretic, and then burned at the stake in 1431.
Despite this sad ending to Joan of Arc's life, it does not take away from her greatness who as a young girl had the courage to follow the promptings that came to her and make a difference.
Lessons to learn from Joan of Arc as we strive to make a difference for diverse learners:
- Listen to promptings and follow them in spite of what others may say or do
- Be willing to be different and not be motivated to do that which wins acceptance
- Muster the courage to be willing to suffer the consequences that may come from following promptings
