A coat of arms is a hereditary device, borne upon a shield, and devised according to a recognised system. This system was developed in northern Europe in the mid-12th century for the purpose of identification and was very widely adopted by kings, princes, knights and other major power holders throughout western Europe.
The Ghana Coat of Arms is composed of a shield, divided into four quarters by a green St. George’s Cross, rimmed with gold. The followings are the symbols in the quarters and their meanings.
- Crossed linguist staff and ceremonial sword on a blue background.
Position: Top left-hand quarter. It represents local administration.
- A heraldic castle is seen on a light blue background.
Position: Top right-hand quarter. Represents National Government.
- A Cocoa Tree
Position: Bottom left-hand quarter. Represents the Agricultural wealth of the country.
- A Mine Shaft
Position: Bottom right-hand quarter. Represents the mineral wealth of the country.
- A Gold Lion
Position: In the center of the green St. George’s Cross. Represents the continued link between Ghana and the Commonwealth.
- Black five-pointed star rimmed with gold stands on the wreath of red, gold, and green colours.
Position: Surmounting (On top of) the shield. It represents the lodestar of African Freedom.
- Two Eagles, around each of whose necks hangs a black star suspended from a ribbon of Ghana colours – red, gold, and green.
Position: Supporting the shield (Coat of Arms). This signifies a protector with strength, and very clear and attentive eyes keeping watch over the country.
Finally, it has Ghana’s motto FREEDOM AND JUSTICE placed under the shield.
PERSONAL COAT OF ARMS
My brother Reed recently sent me a text, sharing a thought that has been on his mind since conference last week:
"Today's choices will always be tomorrow's reality."
I love this thought. It made me consider again -- what is my personal motto or mission statement that I live by?
Not too long after leaving for our mission, our Bishop Sean Covey shared this message with our ward family, suggestions I know can bless anyone, anywhere:
"Thoughts on building a strong family culture. I suggest doing three things: 1) Teaching Regularly, 2) Gathering Regularly, and 3) Creating A Family Mission Statement. I encourage you to implement these ideas into your family, whether you have kids at home or you are an empty nester.
Teach your children and grandchildren regularly. Send letters and emails, hold family home evenings, have family firesides, bear your testimony, and find ways to share your values and beliefs. Your children and grandchildren should know that you love them and how you feel about the gospel and life in general.
Gather your children and grandchildren regularly. Establish traditions and stick to them. Plan fun family get togethers and vacations. Gather on Sundays for meals. Do whatever you can to gather your family frequently and often.
Finally, I encourage you to write a family mission statement, motto, or creed. It simply represents what your family is all about. It doesn't matter if you are an empty nester or have kids at home. It is a good thing to do and there is no one right way to do it. I promise that it will bless your family and create a sense of purpose that will last for decades."
We are far, far from perfect, but continue striving to do better in these very worthwhile efforts!
Our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, has shared several messages with us over the years that if adopted, could be considered a Spiritual Coat of Arms, and an identity that shows who we are:
Stay on the Covenant Path
Hear Him
Be Peacemakers
Think Celestial
These are some wonderful ideas to get our minds flowing for Personal and Family Mission Statements!!
UNDERSTANDING YOUR DIVINE IDENTITY
"Knowing who we truly are helps us find lasting happiness and peace. So when life gets hard or the voices of the world get loud, remember that our Heavenly Father will always be there to help us see ourselves for who we truly are and can become."
Much love from Ghana!!
💓💛💚
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