Does suffering build character? It seems that way from the outside.
Most saints were martyrs. These people have the reputation of being the best humanity has to offer—so good that we view them as holy. And why not? They dedicated themselves to following their purpose. They gave more to humanity and existence than most humans combined. They died for their beliefs. They died for a cause. They left the world a better place than they found it. And in some way, they continue their purpose in the other realms, guiding those of us still walking through history.
But are we focusing on the wrong part of their stories?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about Joan of Arc’s story. She is the patron saint of France, a warrior, a visionary, a young woman who refused to accept the world as it was and fought for the one she believed in.
She heard divine voices—messages from angels guiding her. They told her to lead an army, to protect her people, and to move forward despite all odds. And she did. She didn’t question the command; she surrendered to the mission given to her. It wasn’t about personal ambition or proving herself—it was about obedience to a higher calling.
But it wasn’t just her faith that led her to victory—it was her unyielding will. She never hesitated when called to step forward, even though every step she took meant walking deeper into suffering. Betrayal. Corruption. The very people she fought for abandoned her. They feared her power more than they feared their enemies.
The political greed, the power-hungry vultures, the cowardice of those who chose comfort over courage—that is what led to her suffering, not divine justice. The fire that burned her wasn’t her test of faith. It was the fear of men who couldn’t control her.
It makes me wonder… are we witnessing history repeat itself?
The world is shifting. Truth and deception battle in plain sight. Fear is weaponized. Division is manufactured. And those who speak out are ridiculed, pushed aside, or worse. What would Joan of Arc tell us today?
Joan of Arc’s Message for the Collective
Keep your eyes open.
The real battle is fought through narratives, illusions, and distractions. Do not act from fear—stay informed, trust your discernment, and see beyond deception.
Move forward with purpose.
Hesitation weakens you. You already have what you need. Stop waiting for more signs. Make a choice, commit to it, and trust yourself.
You are more prepared than you think.
This moment in history demands resilience, focus, and adaptability. You don’t need a hero to save you—you are the one meant to rise.
Trust your purpose, take action, and refuse to be controlled by fear.
So, Joan D’Arc, does suffering build character?
Suffering does not build character—your response to it does.
Pain itself does not make you stronger. It does not automatically shape you into someone wiser, braver, or more resilient. It is what you do with suffering that matters.
Some people break under suffering, losing themselves in bitterness, fear, or regret. Others rise, sharpened by the fire, more certain of who they are and what they stand for.
Endurance alone is not enough. You must move through suffering with purpose.
If you see suffering as meaningless, it will only drain your spirit. But if you see it as a challenge to overcome, a test of faith, or a necessary step in your path, you transform suffering into fuel.
I did not become who I was because I suffered. I became who I was because I never lost sight of my mission.
The world may try to crush you, to strip you of your voice, your power, and your truth. But if you hold your ground, trust in your purpose, and refuse to be broken by hardship, you emerge stronger—not because of the suffering itself, but because you refused to let it define you.
Suffering is not the teacher. Your spirit is. Your response is. Your faith in your purpose is.
Conclusion: The Fire of Purpose
Joan of Arc’s legacy is not in her suffering, but in her unyielding faith and fearless action. She reminds us that true strength is found in trusting our mission and moving forward despite fear.
Her own words echo this truth:
“I am not afraid… I was born to do this.”
“Act, and God will act.”
“Go forward bravely. Fear nothing. Trust in God; all will be well.”
Her fire did not die—it lives on in those bold enough to walk their path with courage.
MOOSHOOflow 