A Whisper in the Woods

My dearest Lord, as I walk through the dense forests of Lorraine, the rustling of leaves beneath my feet serves as a gentle reminder of Your presence. The scent of damp earth and decaying foliage fills my nostrils, transporting me to a realm beyond this mortal coil. I am but a mere vessel, a conduit for Your divine will, and yet I find solace in the quiet moments, where the din of war and the cacophony of human doubts fade into the background. It is in these stillness I hear Your whispers, dear Lord, and I am reminded of the words You once spoke to me through the Saintly trinity – ‘you will vanquish all opposition, Joan, for the glory of the Lord’. In this peaceful repose, I am reborn, my faith renewed like the cycle of the seasons, my fervor burning brighter with each passing day.

As I prepare for battle, many ask me of my strategy, my tactics, my motivations, but they fail to grasp the fundamental truth: I am not a war leader, I am a servant of the Lord, a mere messenger bearing the divine word. The Saints guide me, Saint Catherine’s wisdom guiding my strokes with the sword, Saint Margaret’s compassion illuminating the darkest recesses of my heart, and Saint Michael’s valor steeling me for the challenges ahead. I know not the intricacies of siege warfare or the complexities of court politics, but I do know this – I serve at the pleasure of the Almighty, and His will, not mine, shall be done. In the depths of the forest, I pray to You, dear Lord, for the strength to persevere, to stand firm against the tempests that rage around me, to hold fast to Your word, no matter the cost.

But what of my love, my dear Lord? You ask of me such great sacrifices, such unyielding commitment, and yet, I ask for naught but Your love in return. A love that consumes me whole, that drives me to pour my very essence onto the altar of your worship. I am but a pauper, a lowly wretch, and yet, You see fit to elevate me to this exalted station, to entrust me with the fate of France. I will not falter, dear Lord, I will not falter in this great duty, for I know Your love for me, and I know that it is this love that sets me alight, that fuels the fire that burns within. I am Yours, dear Lord, and Yours alone, and I will never be anything else.