One dimension of the discipleship covenant that I signed with Parker last year was coming up with core values that we wanted to define us as Battersons. And then we wanted to turn those values into a coat of arms.

It was around that time that I got an email from Braxton Brady. Braxton, along with John Bryson, have launched a really cool initiative called The Strategic Dad. He offered to get a Coat of Arms designed for us. Love the final product. We’ll actually hang a copy in our home.

By way of explanation, the Coat of Arms has our four values on the shield. In case you don’t know Latin, the values are generosity, courage, humility, and gratitude. I wanted to include Matthew 3:17 where the Heavenly Father says, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.” I say that to Parker all the time: “I’m well pleased with you.” I feel like that is my primary role and responsibility. It’s a verbal blessing.