Published on March 6, 2026 by Joelle Youngblood  
Lysa TerKeurst

Seven-time New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst visited Samford University as the featured speaker for the 15th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series hosted by Orlean Beeson School of Education.

The event welcomed students, faculty, staff and members of the community for an evening of thoughtful conversation centered on relationships, trust and the role of boundaries.

TerKeurst, president and chief visionary officer of Proverbs 31 Ministries, delivered a lecture focused on the biblical and practical principles of boundaries, drawing from themes explored in her book Good Boundaries and Goodbyes. Following her remarks, Anna McEwan, dean of Orlean Beeson School of Education, joined TerKeurst on stage for a discussion during which TerKeurst responded to questions submitted by audience members.

Throughout the evening, TerKeurst emphasized that boundaries are often misunderstood but play an essential role in fostering healthy relationships.

“Boundaries are not meant to shut other people out,” she said. “Boundaries are an effective communication tool that allow us to hold onto our safety and stability.”

Drawing on biblical examples, TerKeurst referenced the early chapters of Genesis, noting that the first conversation between God and humanity involved a boundary. She explained that boundaries serve as a framework for order and well-being.

“Where there is chaos, there is an increase of sin. When there’s an increase in sin, more boundaries must be put into place,” she said.

TerKeurst also addressed the relationship between trust and boundaries, highlighting themes from her book I Want to Trust You, But I Don’t. She explained that trust develops gradually and requires consistent actions over time.

“Trust is the oxygen of all human relationships,” TerKeurst said. “Trust is built on time plus believable behavior, and neither of those can be fast-tracked.”

McEwan reflected on the significance of the series for the Samford community.

“The Corts Distinguished Author Series continues to create meaningful opportunities for intellectual engagement, spiritual reflection and personal connection within our community,” McEwan said. “We are grateful for the Corts Family and the many people whose support makes experiences like this possible.”

Corts Family with Lysa

After the lecture, attendees had the opportunity to meet the author, purchase books and have them signed.

Established in 2011, the Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series honors the legacy of former Samford University president Tom Corts and his wife, Marla. The series celebrates reading and literacy while also providing financial support for the School of Education.

Support for the Corts Distinguished Author Series helps advance the School of Education’s mission to prepare students who educate, lead and serve with integrity and purpose.

GIVE: Invest in the formation of future educators and leaders.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford is widely recognized as having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, featuring rolling hills, meticulously maintained grounds and Georgian-Colonial architecture. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and boasts one of the highest scores in the nation for its 97% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.