The adjective “brave” gets tossed around liberally in our culture. Hollywood stars and politicians are heralded for bravery for doing or saying something that typically won’t bring them harm, physical or otherwise.
For true bravery, look back 600 years to Joan of Arc. It was in May 1429, when the Siege of Orléans took place. Joan was a mere peasant girl and only 17 years old, but she convinced Charles, the dauphin of France, to furnish her with an army.
She not only delivered much-needed supplies to beleaguered troops but also inspired the French to engage in a fierce resistance against the marauding English. She led the charge during several battles and was wounded by an arrow on May 7. Undaunted, she returned to fight the very next day and helped force the invaders to retreat.
Ironically, despite Joan’s reputation, she never actually fought or killed anyone. She did, however, inspire those doing the fighting. She also directed troops and put together battle strategies, an astounding accomplishment for a teenager. Two years after the Siege of Orléans, Joan was captured by the English, who tried her for heresy. She was declared a witch and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431.
Joan did not become St. Joan until the 20th century. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. She personified bravery, and people, particularly the commentariat in the world of journalism, could take time to think about what that really means.
