"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Joshua 1:9
This picture portrays Saint Joan of Arc, a deeply fascinating character with an extraordinary divine mission. Aged 13, she received the first of many apparitions of Archangel Michael. Gradually, the angel revealed to Joan the incredible mission God had planned for her to do: liberate her country of France from the British invaders by leading thousands of troops into battle - even though she had no training as a soldier nor even knew how to ride a horse. On top of that, she was only a poor village girl!
St Michael assured Joan that God would empower and guide her all the way to successfully complete this mission, if she trusted and be obedient to the orders from above.
St Joan is an inspiring example of how miraculously God can work through us: strengthening the weak, blessing the poor, elevating the humble...
If we rely on God rather than ourselves, what great things we can do - or rather what great things can happen through us! It takes courage to abandon oneself to the divine will and trust in a power that is infinitely more powerful and wise. Then the wind of courage will powerfully move in and through us. Few have a mission like Joan did, yet we all are amidst a spiritual battle from which we will hopefully all arise as saints.
"Wind of Courage"
2019
Oil & egg tempera on canvas
