Hope and Healing After the Storm: A Village of Love in St. Louis

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Welcome, gentle one. I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s take a moment — a deep, slow breath. Inhale peace, exhale worry. Today, I want to share a moment of reflection with you because our city has changed.

On May 16th, an EF-3 tornado swept through St. Louis, leaving neighborhoods, businesses, and families forever changed. It was a day of loss, of uncertainty, but also a day when something remarkable happened — our community became a village.

In the face of devastation, I witnessed something beautiful. People didn’t just wait for professional help to arrive. Neighbors became helpers. Strangers became friends. Volunteers appeared with chainsaws and work gloves, clearing debris. Families shared food, and organizations opened their doors to shelter those in need. That’s an authentic love for one another. That’s God’s work.

Our city has a long journey of rebuilding ahead, and that’s okay. We are strong, resilient, and, most importantly, a community that shows up for one another. That’s what gives me hope.

As we begin this journey of healing and rebuilding, let’s remember to take moments like this—to pause, breathe, and continue to hold on to one another.

If you’re looking for ways to help or need support, here are some resources:

🔸 United 4 Children is teaming up with other early childhood organizations to organize volunteers and resources for childcare centers in need. To get involved with United 4 Children and support early childhood programs in St. Louis, you can visit their official volunteer page:

👉 United Way Volunteer Center - Disaster Response https://www.stlvolunteer.org/disaster

🔸 Faith Church Storm Clean-Up: Serve Week May 19, 21, 22 & 23 10 am-7 pm May 20th, 10am-5 pm 

Can’t make it? Support the effort by giving to our Storm Relief Fund at faithchurch.com/storm

🔸 The following shelters are open, provided by the American Red Cross:

 • Friendly Temple Outreach Center: 6356 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, MO 

• 12th & Park Recreation Center: 1410 S. Tucker Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63104 

• Refresh Community Church: 829 N Hanley Rd, St. Louis, MO 63130

🔸 Public Charging Stations:

 • Firehouse Engine House No. 26: 4520 Margaretta Avenue, 63115 

• O’Fallon YMCA: 4343 W Florissant Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115 

• Grace United Methodist Church: 6199 Waterman Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112

🔸 If you would like to donate, you can do so at the City of St. Louis Tornado Relief Fund here: https://stl.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=7600.

Thank you for being part of this village, for showing up with love, and for holding hope even in the hardest times.

How did you find comfort or offer support to someone after the storm? Share your story below — because every act of kindness, big or small, matters.

And if you feel led, I invite you to join me in a moment of prayer for our city — that healing, hope, and restoration continue to flow in every home, street, and heart.

With heart, Fatama