I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God to help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid.
Interpretation
This quote reflects the deeply personal and courageous response to a divine calling, highlighting the fear that often accompanies such profound guidance.
Joan of Arc's quote speaks to the experience of receiving a calling from a higher power at a young age, emphasizing both the fear that can accompany such profound moments and the courage required to act upon that guidance. It illustrates the inner struggle between doubt and conviction, showcasing how uncertainty is a natural part of stepping into one's destiny.
In practice
This quote can inspire students during a graduation speech about pursuing their dreams despite fears.
King of England, and you, duke of Bedford, who call yourself regent of the kingdom of France... settle your debt to the king of Heaven; return to the Maiden, who is envoy of the king of Heaven, the keys to all the good towns you took and violated in France.
I saw them with my bodily eyes as clearly as I see you. And when they departed, I used to weep and wish they would take me with them.
I place trust in God, my creator, in all things; I love Him with all my heart.
Of the love or hatred God has for the English, I know nothing, but I do know that they will all be thrown out of France, except those who die there.
If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.
I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God's will.
If we wish to free ourselves from enslavement, we must choose freedom and the responsibility this entails.
Among many who sought to deter me, was one dear old Christian gentleman, whose crowning argument always was, "The cannibals! you will be eaten by cannibals!" At last I replied, "Mr. Dickson, you are advanced in years now, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honouring the Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or by worms."
You do not stop losing power by refusing to recognize your fear, by anesthetizing yourself to what you feel. The road to authentic power is always through what you feel through your heart.
it's easy to stand in the crowd but it takes courage to stand alone
Not taking a risk is a risk. That's how I see it.
To all the survivors out there, I want them to know that we are stronger and more resilient than we ever knew. We survived, that should be enough but it isn't. We must work hard to become whole again, to fill our soul with love and inspiration, to live the life that was intended for us before it was disrupted by war and horrors, and help rebuild a world that is better than the one we had just left.
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