Kelly Grace

Hey, I'm Kelly Grace - a name that means "maiden warrior for grace." On a good day, I live up and into that. My heart beats to create a world where more justice, freedom and beauty are experienced together.

I'm part of an Irish lineage, challenged to carry on a legacy of faith, feminine strength and fighting spirit. I feel deeply, think out loud and engage life's adventures with conviction and challenge.

My soul resonates with a verse that speaks of service to God in relevant and creative ways with all creation. I find my passion and my calling grounded here:

"The Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners... to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve — to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

I share in the heartache and hope that encompass communion with the sinners and saints who live in the landscape Isaiah 61 describes.

I'm an unconventional minister, a professional counselor and an adjunct university faculty member. I make my home in Portland, Oregon, joining in the work of carving out safe and sacred spaces for those harmed by marginalization, poverty, addiction, the sex industry and the church.

My current season is one with opportunities to explore, listen, write, partner, strategize and pray. Alongside me is a man whose depth, kindness and wisdom inspire me and keep me on my toes. We are in our fourteenth year of marriage and have recently welcomed a daughter and two dogs into our next adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Would love to connect. Invite me into your inbox, over for coffee or out for a beer. It's all communion to me.