Hmm, I understand your admiration for Jeanne d’Arc, and of course, her story—as far as we know it—is fascinating. Today, she would probably end up in a psychiatric hospital, medicated for schizophrenia. 😌
That said, I feel compelled to share that she has been adopted as a major symbol by the extreme right in France for decades. The far right, especially around the Le Pen family, regularly gathers around her golden statue in Paris during political events, almost as a ritual.
So for me, hearing her name has taken on a bitter undertone. Her real story tends to fade into the background of my awareness.
But thank you, Jesse, for bringing her true story back into focus. 🙌🏽
I’m German and have been living in France for over 20 years now, so I can’t help but compare this phenomenon to how Richard Wagner was co-opted by the Nazis. Even though his music is undeniably powerful, the way it was used for propaganda makes it difficult for me to listen to it without discomfort.
It’s ironic that today, young neo-Nazis in parts of former East Germany still listen to Ride of the Valkyries and call it “the helicopter music” … from Apocalypse Now. 🤦🏼♀️ So it seems Wagner has already been partly forgotten, and I can begin to make peace with his music.
The new extreme right has moved on to different stories and different songs.
Thanks for creating this space for sharing Saturday morning reflections.
Dear Patti , thanks for sharing this story again. I feel much better now , just was feeling horrible and heartbroken our world minute ago . We have to keep going with hope . You take care . 💌
May our hearts be brave as the Joan of Arc, the patron saint of girls who burn for the truth of it all ❤️🔥 And when it comes, our judgement day, may we be the first who say "I've given all my soul to pray"
So glad you reposted this, Jesse. I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice - it doesn’t betray. Once fears are challenged they never seem to be as great as I had built them up to be. Onward we go.
Thank you for the beautiful note cards. They are just lovely. I can’t wait to send them out.
Wonderful post and insights. My wife and I celebrated Twelfth Night and Joan with a nice dinner and clapped, sang and shivered along the route of the Krewe of Joan in New Orleans to commemorate the start of Carnival on our home town. She’s our unofficial patron saint. They have a colorful medieval themed tableau and even a Joan on horseback this year! We were resolved to celebrate especially despite recent events because that’s how we roll here. As Villon said, you need your bread *and* your violets.
Such an uplifting and inspiring post , thank you Jesse ! I am going to use Joan of Arc ‘s quotes in my paintings because they are so powerful , and give me belief , we can overcome so much that holds us back 🌹🌹🌹.
Thank you so much for this —a beautiful synopsis of Joan’s courageous devotion and her accomplishments. I loved reading this and using the inspirations you added for our new year!
I was named after Joan of Arc (my christened name was Jeanne although I now go by Jill). She was one of my heroes from early on and she's even featured in one of the chapters of my memoir.
Jesse, thank you for this beautifully detailed post. I've been inspired by Joan of Arc since childhood. I have early memories from a picture book history of her dressed for battle on her horse, banner flying, head held high. Now, in my 7th decade of life, I still struggle with the feeling of not being ready when it comes to sharing my writing. You've brought so much to mind with your personal reflections. Fear as a tailwind...YES! If not now, when?! Also a side note of gratitude for your lovely cards! It was such a thoughtful gift, and so lovingly packaged. I've already penned three notes! 💌
I am often shocked by the stories I read about the treatment of women in history, and Joan, who I believe is the patron Saint of France, was such an amazing and courageous warrior besides her visions which gifted her the strength to act.
Her story reminds me of the Pendle Witch trials where many women were charged with heresy and murdered and burned alive for the most ridiculous accusations and supposed crimes.
Joan was so young and her story both remarkable and tragic, thank you for reminding me of her birthday and inspiring me to research her again :).
Hello Jesse,
Hmm, I understand your admiration for Jeanne d’Arc, and of course, her story—as far as we know it—is fascinating. Today, she would probably end up in a psychiatric hospital, medicated for schizophrenia. 😌
That said, I feel compelled to share that she has been adopted as a major symbol by the extreme right in France for decades. The far right, especially around the Le Pen family, regularly gathers around her golden statue in Paris during political events, almost as a ritual.
So for me, hearing her name has taken on a bitter undertone. Her real story tends to fade into the background of my awareness.
But thank you, Jesse, for bringing her true story back into focus. 🙌🏽
I’m German and have been living in France for over 20 years now, so I can’t help but compare this phenomenon to how Richard Wagner was co-opted by the Nazis. Even though his music is undeniably powerful, the way it was used for propaganda makes it difficult for me to listen to it without discomfort.
It’s ironic that today, young neo-Nazis in parts of former East Germany still listen to Ride of the Valkyries and call it “the helicopter music” … from Apocalypse Now. 🤦🏼♀️ So it seems Wagner has already been partly forgotten, and I can begin to make peace with his music.
The new extreme right has moved on to different stories and different songs.
Thanks for creating this space for sharing Saturday morning reflections.
With love,
Uschi
All battles 1st won or lost in the mind.
Saint Joan of Arc- pray for us
Dear Patti , thanks for sharing this story again. I feel much better now , just was feeling horrible and heartbroken our world minute ago . We have to keep going with hope . You take care . 💌
The courage to have a substantial conversation with my abuser on my terms.
May our hearts be brave as the Joan of Arc, the patron saint of girls who burn for the truth of it all ❤️🔥 And when it comes, our judgement day, may we be the first who say "I've given all my soul to pray"
Wonderful post - Happy birthday Joan and Happy New Year 💪💪🙏🙏🙏
So glad you reposted this, Jesse. I’ve learned to listen to my inner voice - it doesn’t betray. Once fears are challenged they never seem to be as great as I had built them up to be. Onward we go.
Thank you for the beautiful note cards. They are just lovely. I can’t wait to send them out.
All aboard the Peace train , thanks from the ❤️🥰 Love from Italy.
Thank you so much for the gift. It just arrived today in Bad Soden-Salmünster, Germany. Made my Day! ♥️🫖
Wonderful post and insights. My wife and I celebrated Twelfth Night and Joan with a nice dinner and clapped, sang and shivered along the route of the Krewe of Joan in New Orleans to commemorate the start of Carnival on our home town. She’s our unofficial patron saint. They have a colorful medieval themed tableau and even a Joan on horseback this year! We were resolved to celebrate especially despite recent events because that’s how we roll here. As Villon said, you need your bread *and* your violets.
Such an uplifting and inspiring post , thank you Jesse ! I am going to use Joan of Arc ‘s quotes in my paintings because they are so powerful , and give me belief , we can overcome so much that holds us back 🌹🌹🌹.
Thank you so much for this —a beautiful synopsis of Joan’s courageous devotion and her accomplishments. I loved reading this and using the inspirations you added for our new year!
Beautiful tribute, thank you Jesse.
I was named after Joan of Arc (my christened name was Jeanne although I now go by Jill). She was one of my heroes from early on and she's even featured in one of the chapters of my memoir.
Jesse, thank you for this beautifully detailed post. I've been inspired by Joan of Arc since childhood. I have early memories from a picture book history of her dressed for battle on her horse, banner flying, head held high. Now, in my 7th decade of life, I still struggle with the feeling of not being ready when it comes to sharing my writing. You've brought so much to mind with your personal reflections. Fear as a tailwind...YES! If not now, when?! Also a side note of gratitude for your lovely cards! It was such a thoughtful gift, and so lovingly packaged. I've already penned three notes! 💌
Hello Jesse and Happy New Year to you.
Thank you for your article about Joan of Arc.
I am often shocked by the stories I read about the treatment of women in history, and Joan, who I believe is the patron Saint of France, was such an amazing and courageous warrior besides her visions which gifted her the strength to act.
Her story reminds me of the Pendle Witch trials where many women were charged with heresy and murdered and burned alive for the most ridiculous accusations and supposed crimes.
Joan was so young and her story both remarkable and tragic, thank you for reminding me of her birthday and inspiring me to research her again :).