At Fellowship Apparel, we believe that every piece of clothing should carry a message of faith and purpose. That’s why we love, "The Royal Grace" crop top—a product that encapsulates the beauty of God’s grace and your divine identity.
A Reminder of Grace
In Ephesians 2:8, we’re reminded: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." This verse speaks to the core of our faith, highlighting that grace is not something we earn, but a precious gift from our Creator. As you wear "The Royal Grace" crop top, let it serve as a constant reminder of this truth. You are saved, loved, and cherished—not because of anything you’ve done, but because of God’s boundless grace.
Fashion with a Purpose
"The Royal Grace" isn’t just a stylish addition to your wardrobe; it’s a declaration of who you are in Christ. The rich, royal purple color represents the royal priesthood you belong to as a believer (1 Peter 2:9). This crop top is perfect for everyday wear, whether you’re heading to a workout, running errands, or spending time with loved ones. It’s designed to be both comfortable and meaningful, allowing you to carry your faith with you wherever you go.
Walking in Royalty
When you wear "The Royal Grace," you’re not just making a fashion statement—you’re embracing your identity as a daughter of the King. As Proverbs 31:25 says, "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." This crop top is a symbol of the strength, dignity, and grace that God has clothed you in. It’s a piece that will inspire confidence and remind you of your worth every time you put it on.
Share Your Faith in Style
In a world that often emphasizes external appearances, "The Royal Grace" crop top is a breath of fresh air. It allows you to share your faith in a stylish and modern way, sparking conversations and encouraging others in their walk with God. Pair it with your favorite jeans, a skirt, or even layered under a jacket for a versatile look that speaks volumes about your values.
At Fellowship Apparel, our mission is to create clothing that not only looks good but also serves a greater purpose. "The Royal Grace" crop top is a perfect example of this, blending faith and fashion in a way that honors God and reminds you of His incredible love for you.
Let this be more than just a piece of clothing—let it be a testament to the grace you’ve received and the royal identity you walk in every day. Order yours today and wear your faith boldly with "The Royal Grace" crop top.
In the journey towards recovery and sobriety, the significance of a strong support system cannot be overstated. It's often said that addiction is a battle fought on multiple fronts, and having an army of loved ones by your side can make all the difference. Family, friends, and caregivers play pivotal roles in the recovery process, offering unwavering support, understanding, and a lifeline during the challenging moments.
Family: The Foundation of Strength
For many individuals navigating the intricate path of sobriety, family serves as the bedrock of support. Family members are the ones who witness the highs and lows, the triumphs and setbacks. Their unconditional love can be a source of motivation, providing a sense of purpose and belonging. Embracing open communication within the family circle fosters an environment where honesty and vulnerability are valued, enabling individuals to share their struggles without fear of judgment.
Friends: The Companions on the Journey
True friends are the ones who stand by us through thick and thin. In the context of addiction recovery, friends can be invaluable allies, offering companionship, encouragement, and a sense of normalcy. Healthy friendships contribute to a positive social environment, providing alternatives to old habits and helping individuals rebuild their lives. True friends celebrate milestones, lend a listening ear, and act as a reminder that one is not alone on this challenging road.
Caregivers: Professionals Providing Guidance
Caregivers, whether therapists, counselors, or support group leaders, bring a wealth of expertise to the recovery process. These professionals offer tailored guidance, coping strategies, and a structured framework for overcoming challenges. The non-judgmental space they provide allows individuals to explore the root causes of addiction and develop effective coping mechanisms. Caregivers contribute to the holistic approach to recovery, addressing not only the physical but also the emotional and psychological aspects of addiction.
Embracing a Holistic Support System
The synergy between family, friends, and caregivers forms a robust support system that empowers individuals in their journey towards sobriety. Recognizing the importance of each pillar is key to building a foundation for lasting recovery. As the saying goes, "It takes a village," and in the context of addiction and sobriety, the collective strength of family, friends, and caregivers can be the driving force behind transformative change.
In conclusion, sobriety is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative effort that requires the active involvement of those who care. By embracing the support of family, friends, and caregivers, individuals in recovery can navigate the challenges with resilience, knowing that they are surrounded by a network of unwavering love, understanding, and expertise. Together, we can create a supportive community that empowers each member to triumph over addiction and build a brighter, sober future.
Today, we're diving into the world of edgy and versatile style as we explore two ways to rock Our Clandestine Crop Top sweater. Our new black camo crop top sweater is a canvas waiting to be painted with your unique style. Experiment with these different outfit ideas to discover the many faces of this versatile wardrobe piece. Whether you're aiming for casual coolness, street style flair, or chic elegance, the possibilities are endless. So, go ahead and let your fashion creativity run wild as you embrace the edgy vibes of your black camo crop top sweater.
Let's unlock the potential of this statement sweater and elevate your fashion game.
Casual Cool: For an effortlessly chic everyday look, pair your black camo crop top sweater with high-waisted jeans or leggings. The cropped silhouette adds a playful touch, while the camo pattern injects a hint of rebellion. Complete the ensemble with your favorite sneakers or ankle boots, and you're ready to conquer the streets with casual coolness.
Athleisure Elegance: Blend comfort with style by teaming up your black camo crop top sweater with a pair of sleek joggers or athleisure-inspired leggings. Enhance the sporty vibe with trendy sneakers or chunky platform shoes. Add a statement backpack or crossbody bag, and you've effortlessly mastered the art of athleisure elegance.
What sets this piece apart is its purpose. At Fellowship Apparel, we understand the importance of giving back. With every purchase of "The Clandestine Crop," a meaningful portion of the proceeds goes directly to non-profit organizations dedicated to aiding individuals struggling with addiction and working towards a life of sobriety. Your choice to wear this garment becomes a statement of solidarity, helping to foster a community of hope, understanding, and compassion.
The Power of the Serenity Prayer and Practical Steps in AA
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has been a beacon of hope for countless individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. One of the cornerstones of AA is the Serenity Prayer, which serves as a source of strength and guidance for those on the path to recovery. The Serenity Prayer is a simple yet profound affirmation that has touched the lives of many in recovery.
It goes like this:
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference."
This short prayer embodies the core principles of AA and offers valuable insights for individuals seeking sobriety:
Acceptance: The prayer begins with a plea for serenity, which is the peace that comes from accepting the things we cannot control. In the context of addiction, this means acknowledging that we cannot change our past, but we can change our future.
Courage: The prayer encourages the courage to change the things within our power. This implies taking responsibility for our actions, making amends where necessary, and actively working towards a life free from alcohol.
Wisdom: Perhaps the most critical aspect of the prayer is seeking the wisdom to differentiate between what we can and cannot change. It's about learning to let go of the things that are beyond our control and focusing our efforts where they will make the most significant impact.
The Serenity Prayer serves as a guiding light for those on the path to recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous. It reminds individuals to accept what they cannot change, muster the courage to change what they can, and seek wisdom to discern between the two. When combined with practical steps like attending meetings, finding a sponsor, and practicing self-care, the Serenity Prayer can help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, offering a chance for a healthier, happier life free from the grip of addiction.
To radiate confidence, we must first learn to embrace and love ourselves. When we are comfortable in our own skin, our aura transforms. Self-love isn't about being arrogant; it's about recognizing our inherent worth and treating ourselves with the same compassion we extend to others. When we love ourselves, we naturally exude confidence and draw others towards our authenticity.
When football season rolls around, the air is filled with excitement and camaraderie. Football game parties are a cherished tradition for many, offering a chance to gather with friends, enjoy the thrill of the game, and savor delicious snacks. For those who are committed to maintaining their sobriety, these events can pose a unique challenge. But fear not, with the right strategies in place, you can fully enjoy the game day festivities while staying true to your sober journey.
1. Plan Ahead:
Preparation is key. Before heading to the football party, take some time to mentally prepare yourself. Remind yourself why you've chosen to stay sober and envision the positive outcomes of your decision. Setting a clear intention before arriving can help you stay focused on your goal.
2. Communicate Your Intentions:
Let your friends and fellow partygoers know about your commitment to sobriety. This can help alleviate any potential pressure to drink or use substances. True friends will respect your decision and support you in maintaining your sobriety.
3. Bring Your Own Drinks:
Arriving with your own non-alcoholic beverages in hand is a smart move. Having a drink that you enjoy and feel comfortable with can help you avoid feeling left out or pressured to drink alcohol. Consider bringing sparkling water, soda, or mocktails.
4. Have an Exit Strategy:
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a party might become overwhelming. It's important to have an exit strategy in place. Whether it's knowing when you'll leave or having a friend on standby to call for support, having a plan can help you feel more in control.
5. Practice Self-Compassion:
If you find yourself facing challenges or triggers, remember that setbacks happen to everyone. Be kind to yourself and avoid self-judgment. Use any difficulties as learning opportunities to grow stronger in your commitment to sobriety.
Why do you do this to yourself?
The most abhorred question you ask over and over again
and the same answer is I don’t know
Don’t try to search for more
I sit on a cracked sidewalk that hurts my ass staring at a beautiful sunset with a city I call home.
The ash fails to the sidewalk at least because I can never keep it from inside the car Little things that will leave traces of me behind
Rides in the back of ambulances with my eyes clenched tight
Right eye opened and a bud light billboard flashes as quickly as it was seen
ER nurses ignore you for hours as you crawl out of your skin and scream while no ones listening
Hallucinate the bugs are coming out of the walls and the nurses faces distort making comments
Those moments are the last to surface
You think relapses are some grand moment of time where it stands still with a tickling clock waiting for your final answer and you think deeply about those lives you shatter
“Why?”
It swirls past so past you dont know and the hands come off the hinges
and you do not know
Right from up up from down
Noon from dusk
And you end up at the cold wet pit where
In those five seconds your mind thought green
You’ve ran through aspects of your life tearing them to shreds for no reason other than the earth shattering gut wrenching feeling
Of the swirling liquid in the bottom of your stomach
You only regain a glimpse of consciousness when you realize that swirl is becoming empty
No decision is made
That day you got cut off on the high way and your family ignores you and
The day you feel ugly in the mirror and you cannot breathe
because the weather is too hot or when you stand spinning while everyone operates around you are desperately trying to regain normality and reenter the room
As quietly as you left
And you hide inside your mind and your soul and as much as you unravel and speak at meetings and give and hold on you’re never holding on harder than the drink.
And you scream and you scream and nobody hears and sees those nights where you sit in a fetal position hoping for another life besides this one you’ve been granted
because you can’t go a day without facing the monster who took everything you had
And no one hears the pen ripping the paper because you try and try to use all those god damn coping mechanisms they drill into your fragile brain
And no one sees you on your knees and begging for whatever wrongs you committed to be released so for one solitary moment the devil didn’t dance inside your brain
Feel free to reach out and get in touch with Payton below:
mackpeyton20@yahoo.com
@pmack011 - INSTA
Pey Arlene- FB
Hello my name is Shane Harrison and this is my story of how I overcame addiction, self harming, and mental illness. I was born and raised in Ohio. I am the youngest of four children and the only boy. I was born with Spina Bifida and I’m paralyzed from the waist down. I spent the first few years of my life in a body cast until I was about 4 or 5ish until I was old enough to push myself around in a wheelchair. I grew up without a father who walked out of my life at the age of 4 because he couldn’t handle having children who were handicap. As a result of him walking out I had anger and trust issues, believing that anyone who came into my life would just turn around and walk out of my life the same way he had done. In my childhood years and early teenage years I suffered from severe ADHD and was on many different medications throughout my childhood and early teenage years. When I was a sophomore in high school my mom told the family that she has cancer. Needless to say I didn’t take the news very well. I was very suicidal and had my first attempt at 16. I was immediately put on antidepressants and for a short time things got somewhat better. My junior year I was struck with another tragedy when one of my closest friends died from a brain hemorrhage which lead me trying to attempt suicide yet again. My medication was switched and things went okay for a while. But, less than two years later I was struck with another tragedy when a friend and classmate of mine committed suicide. My meds were changed for a third time after trying to commit suicide as a result of her death, things continued to escalate and about a year later I started abusing pills. It started with Tramadol and Ambien. A few years after I had to have all four of my wisdom teeth pulled and was prescribed Vicodin and Codeine and I started abusing them as well. In 2012 I decided to go see a psychiatrist to get properly diagnosed. I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder,ptsd and generalized anxiety disorder. I was put on the right medication and started to slowly feel better. Six months into treatment I starting to feel better. After 5 years of active addiction and about 4 attempts to get clean cold turkey and relapsing every time I had something happen that would change my life for the better. I was home alone one gloomy rainy day while my family had went out to eat. I reached in my drawer and grabbed a bottle of pills. I was holding some pills in my hand and as I got about mid chest all the sudden it stops raining. Deep in the pit of my stomach something was different about this time, but being the addict I am I didn’t really think much about it. I get close to my mouth and out of nowhere I heard a voice say “it’s over”. Confused and scared, I looked around to see if maybe someone seen me, but no one was there. Confused and scared I sat for a moment wondering what the hell was going on. Then, it dawned on me that my higher power was speaking to me, telling me that my days of active addiction was over. I realized if I didn’t stop I was for sure going to die that day. I started crying and blurted out “I can’t take this shit anymore” and dumped the pills that I had in my hand along with the bottle of pills in the trash. I hollered for my sister. She came down and I asked her to help me search for pills and dispose of them. I told her I was an addict and I was tired of using. We found dozens of bottles and disposed of them. I tapered down and on March 17th, 2013 I was completely sober and free from active addiction once and for all. On January 3,2016 I almost died from Sepsis. I was in a coma for about two weeks and I was in the hospital for over a month. I had 8 surgeries and I was on antibiotics, pain meds and hooked to a wound vac for over a year. Knowing how I was in active addiction I was strong enough to know that I couldn’t use that as a means to return to active addiction no matter how much I wanted to at times. Fast forward to May 29th 2020 on my mom’s birthday I started school to become a personal trainer and nutrition coach and on July 15, 2020 I officially become a certified personal trainer and on October 6th 2020 a certified nutrition coach. I am also a wheelchair bodybuilder. I am actively going to meetings, working on a 12 step program, and doing my part through social media and other various outlets to speak out about addiction and mental illness. I want the younger generation to know that no matter what you’re going through or went through in the past, you don’t have to turn to drugs and alcohol or even self harming as a means to cope. I want then to know there is a better way.
A quote I live by that has helped me get through my toughest moments:
“Pain is temporary. It may last for a minute, an hour, a day, or even a year. But, eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit however, it will last forever”.
www.facebook.com/bodybuildershaneharrison
www.instagram.com/bb_shaneharrison
www.twitter.com/ShaneHarrison85
Hi ladies and gentlemen of the fellowship, whichever one you may choose. My name is Peyton. I am an alcoholic, an addict, a poet, a girlfriend, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and survivor. I am writing this with a wrapped hand, arm, and a sling from a recent relapse I had last week. Let me paint a picture of the journey of experiences, both good and bad, that got me to this sober day today.
Let me just lay it out there, at twenty eight years old, I have chronic pancreatitis, epilepsy (up in there air if the alcohol was involved), suffered a stroke, cardiac arrest, have been into the ICU five times, and the hospital over a hundred.
This is not a war story, nor is it a pity party, but the damage done to this body that should be at the peak of it’s health is just an example of the impact I will forever carry on my entire life
I could go on for about an entire day about my past family history and my trauma. My sexual, mental, physical, and emotional abuse from so many important figures in my life. The question always remains the same, what came first? The chicken or the egg? In my life, I always was known to be an intelligent female, but I always had the reputation of being able to party like the rest of them. Skipping forward ten years, I find myself without the drug and alcohol for less than 6 hours. I collapsed on the floor at a whopping 85 pounds, muscles tensed, shaking violently, incapable of breathing, and my tongue was so swollen I could not speak. Those five days in the hospital I suffered such severe delirium tremors that I am uncertain to this day what actually happened. Imagine acid times a hundred. Full on strapped down to a bed.
This hospital stint was the first of what I was unknowingly entering into a part of my life where I ignored all the health officials, my own mental and physical health, and into a dark abyss that continued to get as black as the night sky- infinite.
Of course, I tried moving back home to Pittsburgh, PA. The good old geography change. Except that change included moving into a sublease with rent of $1800 I could not afford, an empty studio, no food in the fridge, and a blow up mattress. What there was an abundance of was self loathing, an abusive boyfriend, and give or take 50 empty half gallon bottles of plastic vodka. The routine began as such- wake up, drink a bottle, not consume any water or food, run out, and walk across seizing to the hospital conveniently down the street. This lasted until my boyfriend abandoned me, I passed out malnourished and dying in my trash filled “apartment” I was evicted from, and alone. I was lucky enough for a friend to find me to enter me into my first detox program.
This detox program was the first of what I was unknowingly entering into a part of my life where I understood the severity of the problem, but I simply did not care. I was given the choice of live in the winter streets of Pittsburgh with $0.00, or go to a hole in the wall, might I add notoriously disgusting, therapeutic community rehab. 90 days. I relapsed on the cab ride home.
From then on out, I jumped from house to house, couch to couch, job to job. Surviving every which way I can. Having a few days pulled together of not drinking, or maybe just a few shots to ensure I did not throw up. I was so sickly that I entered the hospital for my heart, my pancreas, or detox almost every week. My detox count may be up to thirty, and that is NOT something to be proud of.
Eventually, I met a man in detox together (DO NOT RECOMMEND), and we relapsed together. We did, however, get clean together. I finally entered a rehab with my hands up. With no shelter, one set of clothing and shoes, and once again $0.00. I loved it. I made friends, I felt like I actually had a personality again. I was relearning myself. After over a decade of masking trauma and blacking out past events, the pieces of myself that I refused allow people to see, began to come to light. I embraced the character defects. I listened and went to a three quarter house. I spoke at a charity event for mothers and fathers who lost their children to addiction. I had almost eight months clean. I was CURED.
So I thought.
See, this is something I need to stress to the new-comers so intensely. You are never cured. This is a daily, exhausting, rewarding way of life. The only other option is the clique- jails, institutions, or death. And in my experience, that is LITERALLY what a drug or a bottle in the hands of an addict will do.
My boyfriend, more so me, suffered chronic relapses during my clean time. I had a sponsor, we had our own place, I did steps, I got the shot, I took care of him. But in that immense energy that I poured into his own recovery, I lost sight of my own.
Beginning in September, I became as frequently relapsing. When I drink, it is a half gallon until I run out until the liquor store closes. Then 9 am, the same thing. Until I am too sick to get anymore, then I call an ambulance and go to detox for five days. I am not kidding when I tell you that this happened so many times that the police and paramedics know us by name and told us they are tired of coming to this address.
Upon again getting alcohol ketoacidosis, I have FIVE doctors. I will not make it past thirty years of age if I keep drinking. I would be lucky to make it to March. That is how quickly the pink cloud or your recovery can change. One decision, one impulsive move, one “I can have just one,” or “I am cured,” can lead you nowhere but deeper in the bottom. And the bottom has a bottom.
Currently, I just published a poetry book with my writings of my addiction. I help out fellow addicts, a main pillar of this program, even if I am not healed myself, I am in intensive outpatient, I have a sponsor, I do step work. But guess what? My boyfriend who I SWORE was the problem is in long term treatment, and last week I drank.
You have to come to realize that it is yourself you have to live with, You choose your own destiny. You have to have self acceptance. I have now accepted that every relapse a lesson is learned. I look to the positive. I am so brutally honest, almost to a fault. I will not stop fighting. I will not be a statistic. Because as addicts, we are the most resilient, intelligent, capable human beings on the face of this Earth. So, if you feel like giving up- it is NEVER too late. I have made 1,000,000 mistakes and counting. It is how you handle them. The pillars of happiness aer so important. If anyone ever needs to talk or reach me I will include my handles at the bottom of this page. ONE MINUTE AT A TIME. WE are in this together.
Feel free to reach out and get in touch with Payton below:
mackpeyton20@yahoo.com
@pmack011 - INSTA
Pey Arlene- FB
