[ampaterry]

Today is another recognized day. In 1935, the US Congress declared the first Sunday in August, today, as Friendship Day. The celebration of this day has become international now, and in 1997 the United Nations named a world ambassador of Friendship: Winnie the Pooh. I must say that in my opinion this was one of their better actions, but I will add the caveat that the bar on that is not very high to begin with.
So, is this the day that we join hands with all people of all political, religious, and moral beliefs in a big circle around a campfire and sing Cum-bay-ah?
Sorry – no sale.
This is a day to celebrate friendship; true, real friendship. It has been said that a friend will come and visit you when you are in jail, but a TRUE friend will be sitting beside you in the cell saying “Man, that was FUN!!”
We all have many many acquaintances, but if we have ONE real, true friend, we are very fortunate.
I have a friend that I have known since we were 12 years old who still lives in IL. We will be visiting him today, in fact. A few years ago, I said to him; “Man, do you realize we have been friends for over FIFTY YEARS??”
He thought for a moment, then said “It's time to get some new friends!”
A true friend is one you would trust with your life, and one you would risk your own life for. You may not agree on everything, but you agree to disagree on the things you differ on, and continue a friendship in spite of that.
A relative can be a friend, but not necessarily:
Proverbs 17:17 (KJV); “A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
You cannot pick your relatives, but you do pick your friends:
Proverbs 18:24 (NCV); “Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.”

On this day, pick up the phone and call your friend. Tell them you love them, and HANG the current connotation that some perverted people have given that word today.

May God bless each of you with at least one true friend!