A challenging Stuff Portrait Friday

So, we're supposed to be challenged with the subjects for this week's SPF? Well, I suspect we will get to see some interesting responses. Here's what I came up with:

1. Your Freedom

This is my wedding ring. It represents my marriage, which is my freedom. Now you're asking "What kind of crack are you on, Ed? Marriage is freedom???" For me, yes. And I'll explain.
As of this past September 4th, my wife and I have been married for 13 years. We've had our ups and downs and it has often been a struggle, but a worthwhile one, nonetheless. My marriage means that I am free to be the man that I am and I'm free to grow to become a better one. I don't have to pretend to be something I'm not, trying to sell myself in the dating meat market. After thirteen years, my wife and I are free to go out to dinner in shorts and tee shirts becuase we know we don't have to impress anyone else - it only matters that we care for each other and accept each other.
Despite my regular quip to my wife that I got married becuase she clubbed me and drug me to the altar, I know that I freely chose this relationship and the lifetime commitment that it entails. I look forward to growing old with her.

2. Your Hope

This is the sculpture of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that hangs upon the cross in the church my family are members of. He is my hope for salvation. But, I also know that many have done evil, claiming to act in his name. A majority of Americans call themselves Christian, yet we have no shortages in this country of failed marriages, abused children, murder, rape, theft. I am certainly no saint, myself. It is my hope that, especially those who would call themselves Christians, will really embrace Christ's call to love and charity towards our neighbor, and that we will stop using him as a club, a prop, or a snobbish justification that we're better than anyone else. We are all God's children, and we should treat each other accordingly.

3. Your Wish

This is a picture of me holding my daughter, who was obviously a newborn at the time. This was about five and a half years ago and I had managed, through a lot of sweat and reasonable diet, to get my weight down pretty close to where I wanted to stay. I was still on the high end of the BMI scale, but I was in about the best shape I'd ever been.
My wish is to get myself back to this state. I'm now about 40 pounds heavier than I was in this picture for a number of reasons. Actually, several years before this picture, through no sweat and a lot of bad eating, I peaked at a good 60 pounds above what I was in the picture. So, I haven't completely slipped back. But, it means that I was able to lose the weight before, so I know I just have to apply myself and I can get there again.