International Day of Friendship

International Day of Friendship
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I had never heard of the International Day of Friendship until the publication of my children's book, Will You Be Friends with Me? four years ago. Enjoy these fun facts, share with your friends, and above all, be a friend to others, even those with whom you disagree.

The United Nations declared July 30 as International Day of Friendship in 2011 as a way to promote peace and promise rather than division and destruction between peoples of all cultures. Friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

July 30 is the official day, but every day can be a Day of Friendship. To celebrate International Day of Friendship, I am donating Will You Be Friends with Me?​ to a wonderful, local afterschool tutoring program called Casa de Amistad in your honor.
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Let's all enjoy being a good friend on International Day of Friendship, and every day. I'd love to hear of new and interesting friendships you make along the way!

A few of my favorite Bible verses on friendship:

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul. (Proverbs 27:9, MSG)

I have called you friends. (John 15:15, NRSVU)

Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other, as indeed you are doing.
​(I Thessalonians 5:11, NRSVU)

Click here to discover more about Will You Be Friends With Me?

This post was previously published, but relevant still!​

The "Flag-United-Nations-Logo" above is by Prachatai is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.