Joan of Arc was an exceptional character. The pureness in her heart and the devotion she had to her faith drew me to learn more about her. In every way possible she was a saint. Her life provides inspiration to the rest of the world and teaches us to remain true to the voice of God within ourselves.
             Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412. During Joan's childhood, the land of France was caught in the middle of the Hundred Year's War. Her hometown, Domremy, was placed partially between the forces of the English and the French. On occasion, Joan and her family had to flee from armies passing through her town.
             Ever since a young age, Joan stood out among other boys and girls when it came to faith. She would never distract herself with things that she knew were not right and good in her heart, no matter what others might say. In one instance, Joan did not join in when fellow friends made offerings of flowers to fairies; instead she offered the same to the saints.
             When Joan was 13 years old, she started hearing voices. The voices were of St. Michael and several angels that only urged her to attend church and pray often. Soon Joan heard the voices of St. Catherine and St. Margaret as well. After a year or so, these same voices started telling her that she must help the future king of France to be crowned. At the time, Charles VII had to be coronated at Reims by tradition but the problem was that at that time, Reims was held by the English. The English had their own hopes of crowning Henry VI, who was but a child.
             When Joan was 16 years old, St. Michael told her more specifically to drive out the English and bring the king to be crowned. She was frightened upon hearing this but a sense of peace came over her when St. Michael told her, "God will help you." Because of Joan's trust in the voices, and ultimately in the faith of God, she left Domremy without telling her parents and succeeded in going to the king and conv...