It’s election day. A day of democracy, a day of anxiety, and unfortunately a day filled with fear and hurtful if not hateful rhetoric.

I voted today. I posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook. I had funny tweets about my time standing in line at the polls. I used hashtags.

I took seriously my civic duty, my right as an American citizen of age, I voted. More importantly I took time to read and to prayerfully discern candidates and their platforms, the ballot initiatives for my state and city. As an active, involved Catholic, I formed my conscience. And regardless of the outcome of this day, I find comfort in my faith and knowledge that I did not go against my conscience.

I am sitting here now re-watching for the millionth, okay that’s an exaggeration it’s only my fourth, time the first season of The West Wing, I find myself wrapped up in the world of Aaron Sorkin’s mind trying to find just the right balance of wit, charm, and snark to draft a tweet about Sam Seaborn and Ainsley Hayes, and their fictional (and I believe winnable) presidential campaign. Alas I know that this is not reality, because I keep checking my social media and I am yet again reminded that the rose-colored glasses of good television writing can only be my escape for so long.

So far social media has been overwhelmingly positive, an out pouring of encouragement for people to get to the polls, to go and vote, to exercise their rights and freedoms. I love this. Because I love humanity, granted I can be as cynical as the next person, but at the end of the day I can see the hope and the possibilities that humanity can accomplish. At the end of most days I am optimistic.

My faith gives me that optimism. My faith reminds me that I am a part of this creation, that I am created with and for dignity and that it is my job to make sure that others know that they are loved and created for more. I try to do that everyday, though I know I don’t always succeed. That’s okay I keep trying. On a day like today nothing is more important to me than that.

…and everything was going so well, that is until a little while ago. I’ve started to see the ugly permeate my newsfeed, some of it I can shake off because (unfortunately) it is a part of the news cycle. Some of it however, hurts me deeply. Why? Because it is judgement masked as truth.

I believe in sharing the truth and I honor other’s opinions, it the beauty of our God given free will. What I don’t believe in is using truth to shame others or belittle their thoughts and opinions.

So to my Catholic and Christian friends please don’t tell people that they are not Catholic or Christian if they vote for “so and so,” you do not know their hearts, minds, or consciences, and it is not your job to know. That’s between them and God. I am not suggesting you agree with them, that’s far from the point. I appreciate your voice, I appreciate that you are on fire for Christ and want to share the Gospel. But please take care to not belittle the teachings of Christ by telling others what does and does not make them followers of Him.

Choose to love them. Not in spite of their beliefs and choices, but simply because they are created by God. They are valued by Him and as such should be valued by you.

I don’t need to know who you voted for and why, because it’s none of my business, and more importantly it won’t make me treat you any differently.

I respect and love you too, and ask for your forgiveness on the days when I forget to value and respect you as you should be treated, as a child of God.

Take care of each other today and everyday.