01/17/2025
To live is Christ…
That is how Josie-Tatum lived, full of joy, fun to be around, intentional about investing in others and sharing The Gospel. These pictures are a beautiful portrayal of how she lived life to the fullest.
When I learned this week that Starfish Project had a new line of jewelry that could be engraved to meet retailers needs or mission, I knew I wanted to create a necklace inspired by Josie-Tatum’s life. I could hardly imagine a better way to honor her. The purchase of jewelry from Starfish helps women experience freedom from s*xual exploitation, establish independence, and develop life changing careers. All of this in the country of her birth.
If you were present for her celebration of life service, you know that she had highlighted Philippians 1:21, “To live is Christ; to die is gain,” in her Bible. When Ethan first opened her Bible, he found a ribbon placed between the pages of Philippians 1. “To Live Is Christ” would seem the perfect statement to put on a bar necklace.
But…it doesn’t tell the whole story.
Josie-Tatum is living part 2 of her story in heaven. To die is gain. Still there is more. As if the LORD was allowing her to leave a message for her family, she had also highlighted Philippians 1:12, “Now I want you to know brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.” In part 2 of Josie-Tatum’s story, “To die is gain,” we are experiencing the LORD working through her story to advance The Gospel. People are giving their hearts to Jesus, choosing a life of greater obedience, choosing a career change to honor the LORD. People all over the United State and at least 7 countries outside the US watched her service online. She had a desire to reach The Nations with The Gospel. She did that in life and her story continues to reach the nations since she has met Jesus face to face.
While I will have “To Live Is Christ” engraved on one side of the bar, the other side will be engraved, “Part 2.” Underneath that the engraving will read, “Philippians 1:12.” We are lliving Part 2 of Josie-Tatum’s story here on earth.. While for her to die was gain, for us it was a tragedy. Still, God is Faithful. He is working through Part 2 of her story to advance the Gospel and grow His Kingdom.
If you are inspired by Josie-Tatum’s story, I invite you to order a necklace. Give one to your daughter or your sister. Use it to share Josie-Tatum’s heart for missions. I must place an order for 10 necklaces to fulfill the requirements of engraving. I believe her story impacted others in such a way that we’ll have “a few” more than 10. 😉
This bar necklace is 14-K gold plated stainless steel. Our customers have always been pleased with pieces from Starfish Project. The necklace will be $53.99, adding tax totals $58.31. If you’d like to order one comment below or send me a message. Prepayment is preferred, but not required. You can send payment to my Venmo -Beahan or PayPal [email protected]. If you’d prefer check, cash, or credit card over the phone, we can meet or you can give me a call. Don’t let pre-payment keep you from placing an order. If you’d like/need the necklace mailed. Add $5.00 to your payment.
Your purchase will honor Josie-Tatum’s memory, support survivors of trafficking in China, AND we’re giving a portion of the sales to support missions.
Win! Win! Win!
