We are all Brothers and Sisters

I read today that the Governer of Alabama stated that only Christians are his brothers and sisters.  How glad I am not to live in Alabama.  I am a Christian.  I have been baptized.  I believe that Jesus is my Lord and Savior.  And I believe all people on this earth are my brothers and sisters.  I like some of them and I dislike others.  I agree with some and disagree with others.  But I do not base those things on their religion.  How narrow minded.  We each have a set of beliefs.  And in our hearts we think ours are correct.  But I count among some of my best friends people whos beliefs are vastly different than mine.  They may or may not change my mind on certain issues, but, regardless, they will open it up to new possibilities.  They will help me think through what I believe.  I think in this world we can disagree and still get along.  But to discount entire groups of people because they don't think like you or dress like you is the worst thing we can do.  It is, to my mind, what breeds contempt and hatred.  We must get past that.  I saw the interview of Cmdr. Mark Kelly this evening.  He does not know yet what long term effects the shooting of his wife will have.  Yet still he finds reason to hope.  We must all look within ourselves and find that hope.  Let the hate and anger go.  Maybe with a little more compassion and understanding, there would be less violence.