Released Clothing | “We Will Wear Compassion”
t has been such a privilege for us to be able to focus on some smaller companies, organizations and ministries the last few months. To be able to bring to light common people that are stepping out in faith, sacrificing wants and certain pleasures so that they can pour more of their time, money and energy into others. Tim and Jewell Riley are another incredible example of this. Having just married last summer Tim and Jewell live a life of simplicity and love giving whatever they have left at the end of the day, whether it be monetary or physical, to Released Clothing with the desire to inspire those that wear their clothing to hope, to be bold, and to love more deeply. It has been a pleasure knowing Tim and Jewell and I am very excited to be able to bring their hearts for RCLTH to paper to share with more and more desiring hearts.
Tim, Released Clothing is something that you have been doing for a while, what drove you to start it?
“God has brought me a long ways that’s for sure. Ever, since I was a little boy I’ve always been making and drawing things, so my creative desires have been in the making since day one”Tim Riley: Yeah, it’s crazy to think that January marks year four for RCLTH. God has brought me a long ways that’s for sure. Ever, since I was a little boy I’ve always been making and drawing things, so my creative desires have been in the making since day one. Although, it wasn’t until near the end of 2006, that my life really seem to take direction. Things happened that were out of my control and God had plans to use them to guide and encourage me to where I am now. He took me in my brokenness and redirected my life. Teaching me to trust in Him with my whole heart, leaving all my pain and sorrow at His feet and that it was not until I did that would I truly be “Released.”
What has time taught you? How has it shaped your vision for RCLTH?
TR: Oh man, I’d say patience, patience, patience. No matter how much I try, I still don’t have as much as I should. In learning about patience I’ve been learning more about love and what it is to have a true heart of compassion. It’s the very thing that’s shaped RCLTH.
Ultimately, what do you two want RCLTH to be?
TR: Man… honestly this is something I’ve wrestled with since day one. It’s so easy to get an idea in your head and think “that’s it!” Where you feel like you’ve finally figured it out, when really in the end you have no clue what you’re doing, at all.
When Released Clothing formed it was driven by a passion burning deep inside of me, so if one thing was to ever be a driving point, I’d say that my prayer would be that; it always be driven by passion and inspiration of the Lord and never by the things of the world. My heart longs for it to be a safe haven, a family, a community where love overflows, and true humility abides. A place where every heart is renewed by the Lord’s spirit and wrapped in the wings of His love.
“Through clothing products, they are to be a reminder, a way of wearing what you believe. Deeper than just that, not only through putting on something that says “He will Reign” or “We will wear compassion” but actually being what your showing on your body”Jewell Riley: Shouldn’t it be a reflection of the combined “ingredients” of what God is, of how he makes us feel? The efforts put forth by Timothy and myself into this clothing ministry would be fully vain if we aren’t yearning to let it become anything less than to ultimately first, Glorify our Father. Timothy set out to create a source that is meant to make hope visible; this would not be very possible or effective if his intentions were selfish. I want Released Clothing to resemble the bride of our Savior. Through clothing products, they are to be a reminder, a way of wearing what you believe. Deeper than just that, not only through putting on something that says “He will Reign” or “We will wear compassion” but actually being what your showing on your body. I pray RCLTH is about actions; to really not just “say” but also “do.”
So you just released two new products, tell us about the meanings behind those. Do all of your products carry a meaning?
TR: Our two newest products are the “He Will Reign” tank top and the “Compassion” t-shirt, both designs made with targets expressed in a straight forward manner. The “Compassion” design was created through a heavy burden on heart regarding our calling to live lives full of love and compassion, encouraging others to join us in taking ownership their calling and ‘wearing it’ daily. I took on a similar approach with the “He Will Reign” design. Inspiring to encourage my brothers and sisters to have boldness, not only giving praise to our Heavenly Father once a week, but yet each and every day.
“Do all of our products carry a meaning?” No, at least not to the common eye, however, they do to me. Some of our designs have been more imagery based, taking on a deeper meaning expressed through the art work. When then we have “The Zebra,” which was design because of my love for zebras, creatures beautifully hand crafted by God. Some things will be intended with the purpose of being simple works of art, while others will have a direct motive. At the end of the day Released Clothing’s passion still remains the same, to witness “hope brought to life” in each and every heart.
Over the last few months we have focused on normal people taking their gifts, and abilities and hard work and doing something amazing with it to bless others. What would you say to those reading that need some motivation to take the next step and do something with their talents?
TR: I’d say don’t get a head of yourself. Any step, being it your first or your tenth, try to remember why you’re even taking the step. It’s no mistake that you’ve been blessed with the gifts and talents you have. It can become easy to get discouraged, with how fast paced the world is. We’re so accustom to obtaining things right away, that when they take time we get anxious and weary. Fight that urge, and give your burdens to the Lord.
What drives you to continue to create and dream?
TR: Waking up each morning knowing I’ve been given another chance.
As a newly married couple, what does this project mean for your relationship?
TR: Everything! As crazy as it sounds, it’s something I realize more and more each day. Whether I’m getting home from a full day at work and then going straight to working things for RCLTH or it’s us setting aside any of the money we have to invest into it. My wife comes first, but we are constantly making sacrifices. It’s definitely been a challenge learning to find balance, while pressing on with forward motion. My wife comes first above all The Lord has been very gracious in helping us remain strong and encouraging to one another.
JR: Look at it this way with me: you have us, Timothy and I, pouring out to build something that is like a really great friendship, a familiar home; namely, this project RCLTH. You also have us working to build on this really great friendship to keep it honorable and forgiving, namely, our precious marriage. It means that we can’t be fakers! As bold as that is, it is truthful. It has meant for me so far that whatever we are making efforts to correct or learn about in our relationship with each other, we are molding what then our project turns out to look like. It means so much, our conversations primly are spiritual or RCLTH based. It is like a workout for our marriage, to try to keep it in shape. When you encourage someone to wear compassion, unless you are doing so yourself, you’re in a place you shouldn’t be. Our marriage and Timothy’s project, I joined, is a network of our passion. I am so grateful to be a part of it all!
What can we expect from RCLTH in the next few months?
TR: I’ve had one design in particular that I’m super excited about. Lord willing, it will available near the end of this month. Then of course more product. A new, personable, and very artistic driven site. Lookbooks and more.
Where can we check you two out and get some product?
TR: Aaah yes… we have plenty of lurking options. :) 
Personally- twitter.com/timothyriley twitter.com/jewellannriley trileyphoto.com
Released Clothing- rclth.com twitter.com/rclth rclth.tumblr.com facebook.com/releasedclothing myspace.com/releasedclothing
