Winda Birt
Presentation Topic
MY FRIEND’S NAME IS GRACE Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
SATURDAY THE YOUTH SESSION (EARLY TEENS) (AGES 12-15)
WINDA BIRT AND OCTAVIA BIRT
MY FRIEND’S NAME IS GRACE Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
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“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another. If any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” You have heard someone ask, “Who’s your friend, what makes a friend? How much grace should I extend to my FRIEND? Grace in a friendship is by choice but it builds a foundation of love and a realization that we are all flawed. “But for GOD’S Grace . . .!” This lesson will be designed to encourage teens to understand the concept of grace and its importance in building strong and supportive friendships. They will learn to embody grace in their interactions, fostering a spirit of kindness and forgiveness among peers. We will explore the transformative power of grace in friendships—defining grace from a biblical perspective and understanding its significance as an unmerited gift from God. Through relatable activities and discussions, we will discover how offering and receiving grace can strengthen our bonds with friends, creating a supportive and encouraging environment. By the end of the session, teens will recognize that grace is not only essential in their relationships but necessary as God gave His son that we might have the freedom of GRACE! Finally, Paul, in Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Winda Birt's Biography
Winda “Wendy” Birt, FLE, is a Family Life Educator who is committed to enhancing the lives of families in the community by promoting health education and prevention. Winda is dedicated to the success of youth and families within the community.
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Winda is a graduate of Spring Arbor University in Lambertville, MI, where she received her Master of Art in Family Education. Winda has over twenty six years of experience working with children/families. She has taught in the inner city of New Orleans, LA, as a coordinator of the Pickett Learning Center, and has worked as a School Support Specialist for Toledo Public Schools at Connecting Point. She has provided support, education and training to numerous families and children. Currently, Winda is the director of the Healthy Connections Department at the YWCA of Northwest Ohio, working to empower women with the importance of early breast cancer detection and a client advocate for thousands of women.
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Winda has been married to Dr. Robert Birt, Jr. for 32 years, and has one daughter, a son in law and three grandchildren. Together, she and her husband conduct marriage seminars across the United States. Winda also provides a variety of motivational workshops across the country, which areev designed to provide spiritual and personal empowerment to women.
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Winda is a member of the Breast Health Coalition, Minority Health Coalition, Community Network Coalition, Tobacco Coalition and Toledo Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Winda’s favorite hobbies are cooking, reading and spending quality time with her family.
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Winda lives by the words, “it is not about me, it is all about God!” Her favorite scripture is Isaiah 40:30-31.