Published on February 8, 2019 by Frances King  

Prolific author, blogger and conference speaker Jodie Berndt challenged 330 Legacy League members and guests attending the Scholarship Luncheon to “pursue joy, celebrate grace and live on purpose.” The February 7 event raised over $17,000 for scholarships.

Chaired by Vickie Griffith, the Scholarship Luncheon Committee went all-out to make the luncheon successful. In addition to the committee, more than 60 volunteers assisted with invitations, publicity, decorations and Tapestry, a new small group offering.

Another new feature, the silent auction, was a popular attraction, netting nearly $1200 in proceeds. And Samford alum Kate Morris showcased her jewelry in a pop-up shop, donating 20 percent of purchases to the Legacy League Scholarship Fund.

A best-selling author of nine books, Jodie focused on “praying the Scriptures,” the topic of three titles available for purchase, with 10 percent of sales donated to Legacy League scholarships. Each book focuses on a stage during which Jodie encourages readers to pray the Scriptures for their children: childhood, the teen years and adulthood.

Throughout 2019, Jodie is concentrating on the words “fruitfulness” and “abundance.” Referencing John 15:7-8, she said, “God has put us in this world to bear fruit…He doesn’t want us to produce only ‘an apple or two, but a harvest,’ an abundance, or ‘much fruit’ in Jesus’ words.” That harvest comes by abiding in Christ through prayer and letting the Scriptures shape our lives.

When her children were younger, Ephesians 4:29 became Jodie’s lifeline as she prayed for them and for herself, even when the kids were vying loudly for a prime seat in the family’s Suburban: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” (NASB)

“God is a parent. He gets it,” she added. “He loves our kids even more than we do…and He will never stop pursuing them.”

Jodie concluded her remarks by referencing the verses on the Legacy League crest, Deuteronomy 6:10-12. “God has a promised land He wants us to enter, a legacy He wants to give us: namely, a life where we stay connected to Him and our prayers bear MUCH FRUIT.”

Funds raised from the luncheon will bear fruit in the lives of students like Elizabeth Alberto, who shared her Samford story. Elizabeth had been hindered from attending Samford because of her father’s accident, permanent disability and resulting financial challenges. However, a Legacy League scholarship enabled Elizabeth to come to Samford, where she is on a fast track toward her nursing degree to fulfill her childhood career dream. She is also involved in student life, making lifelong friendships through Step Sing and other activities.

 
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 is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 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 fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.