Joan of arc is a great role model for young women everywhere. Sure, movies such as the messenger have made her look crazy, schools have been afraid to mention her name because she actually dates back in a religious history dealing with the Catholic Church, you probably cannot find any mention of her anywhere in the Catholic Church. But no matter what this woman went through, she stood by her faith. Through threats of torture and rape, she still stood by her faith.  She took control over a situation, leading France to victory in a war we now call “The hundred years war” I have yet to find out why it was called that but it is really irrelevant information to the purpose of this post.

She would get these visions that were ‘from heaven’ as she would tell people. It was these visions that helped her win the battles for France. She was a headstrong girl who knew what she was destined to do. She was willing to follow her path no matter the cost, in the end she died for her “crimes” but her only crime was not denying her faith that she felt her visions were   given to her by God.

She took the lead; she took the control, stood up for what she believed in.  A great leader should stand up for what they believe in, take control of situations when it is needed, but a great leader also needs someone willing to listen to them, willing to follow them. This is what makes Joan of Arc a great leader.

Many people tried to tear her down, questioning her for days, for weeks to make sure she was telling the truth. That she was still a virgin as she said which would mean she was pure. There is on record at this time she was a virgin but no record as to whether or not she died a virgin whether willingly or by force.

She was more than a great leader. Now known as a Saint in France she has become a great religious leader standing up for all religions in a way. If standing up for your religion, your life, and your beliefs does not make you a good leader or even a great leader then I don’t know what will.

I do not remember my exact source for this but I will look for it: Joan of Arc quoted “”One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.” This quote alone makes her to be great. Even through being threatened with torture and rape she still stood by her beliefs and did not deny her visions.

Joan of Arc was a great role model in particularly for women during her time and other Christians. She stood by her faith, her religion, and led an army; she led France to Victory, A 17 year old girl among her time, the medieval era in the 1400’s. At the end of her time she was threatened with rape and torture if she did not deny the visions but she could not do so. She believed these visions were given to her by God.