Karen Rice

I am me…finally comfortable in my own skin!  I grew up in a Christian family, but stayed away from the church when I went to college.  I went down a dark path that included dependency and addiction and I paid a high price for my choices.  There was a time when I was desolate and convinced that no one understood me and that I was truly alone.  At my darkest point, I felt a hand on my shoulder and heard a voice firmly and lovingly speaking into my ear saying “You are not alone!”  I opened my eyes and looked around, but no one was near me.  God had touched me and I have been walking with him ever since.

I still sometimes struggle that God forgives me as I know he does everyone else. Coming to believe that I am worthy, that I am not a mistake, that God created me just as he wants me to be, and that he loves me unconditionally has taken a lot of work and faith.  I am still a work in progress.

My Gifts

Several years ago I took a spiritual gifts workshop and discovered that my unique gifts are leadership, administration and giving.  After discovering what my gifts are I have been free to say “no” to the things that are not a fit and “yes” to the things that utilize my gifts and callings from God!  I give more of myself and am filled with joy when I serve.  Knowing is truly a blessing.

My Mission

I love to work with the homeless.  I want to help them to “be seen” and help them to be treated with respect and dignity.  I enjoy meeting the needs of the homeless through Joshua Station, the Denver Rescue Mission and Mile High United Way.  I also love connecting people to their gifts and passions by being a leader on the Service Connect team at Faith.