When I Forgot God Was My Father

I recently came across @thedolapolawal message about what it really means to call God “Father.” It sounds simple, it is something I’ve said in prayers, in songs for as long as I can remember, yet somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t living like someone who truly believed it.

I’ve been walking around like a child trying to prove she’s worthy to stay in the house, instead of a daughter who already belongs there.
Always trying to earn rest, earn favor, earn love, even though all along, my father’s arms were open.

The preacher said, “Many of us are living like spiritual orphans; praying to a God who loves us, but still acting like He might leave us.” And I felt that deeply. Because that’s exactly how I’ve been living; cautious with my heart, afraid to do too much, as if I could exhaust His patience, doubtful if he is really there or if I am really that important to Him and using my own logic forgetting He is the wisdom before time began.

But that’s not who He is.
Romans 8:15 reminds me, “You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now we call Him, ‘Abba, Father.’”

When I sit with those words, I realize how often I’ve forgotten that I’m loved, not for what I do, but because of who He is.
He didn’t just forgive me; He adopted me. He didn’t just save me; He called me His own.

And in the quiet moments when I feel lost or small, I’m learning to whisper again, “I’m not fatherless.”
Because I’m not. He never left.
He’s been here all along, in the silence, in the waiting, in the gentle ways He keeps drawing me back home.

So today, I’m choosing to rest not to earn His approval, but because I already have it.
I’m learning to live like a daughter again.

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Reflection:
Maybe you should pause and ask yourself; Am I living like a loved child or like someone still trying to earn love? Let that question draw you back into His arms. 💛

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo

Honest Living; Even When It’s Not Perfect

This week didn’t go exactly as planned.
I had a list…a schedule of things I wanted to do, the ones that felt important and the ones that were simply necessary. But as the days unfolded, life’s rhythm took its own course. Some tasks were left untouched, and others took more time than I expected.

Yet, even in the middle of that imperfection, I found peace.

I did what I could, and I did it with sincerity. And that, to me, is fulfillment.

Like I said earlier this week, I’m living honestly for me. Not by the measure of a perfect to-do list or flawless days but by the quiet truth of showing up with my best, even when it doesn’t look like much.

I’m learning to honor the small wins, to celebrate the moments I stay true to myself, and to rest without guilt.

So, here’s to honest living to doing what we can, trusting God with what we can’t, and embracing the gentle rhythm of grace that carries us through every season.

Cheers to a restful weekend.

📖 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” (Proverbs 16:3)

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo

Doing Well for Me!!!

“Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” (Colossians 3:23)

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that doing well isn’t just about achievements or how put-together life looks on the outside. It’s about being honest with where I am and choosing to grow with grace.

I used to think doing well meant being busy, checking boxes, or proving that I had everything under control. But now, I see it differently. Doing well, for me, means showing up even quietly for the things that matter: my peace, my purpose, my faith, and my well-being.

Some days it looks like planning ahead and sticking to it. Other days, it looks like resting and letting God remind me that my worth isn’t measured by my productivity. Growth, I’m learning, isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s just me, choosing to pray before reacting, choosing to forgive myself, choosing to start again.

I’m learning to work with God instead of for people’s validation. I’m learning that excellence doesn’t come from pressure it flows from peace. And this week, that’s my quiet promise: to do well, not to impress anyone, but because I’m accountable to the One who gave me this life.

Dear God, help me to honor You with my efforts. Let my growth be rooted in grace, and my progress be a reflection of Your peace.

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo

Embracing October’s Golden Sunsets

Happy New Month, Family!

As one chapter closes and another begins, I find myself reflecting on the beauty of transitions. Just like a sunset paints the sky with colors before nightfall, endings often arrive wrapped in quiet beauty, reminding us that something new is just around the corner.

October feels like that sunset; golden, gentle, and full of promise. It whispers of fresh pages waiting to be written, of soft beginnings and brighter tomorrows. 🍂✨

At ReflectWithFlo, we are deeply grateful for the gift of community for each of you walking this journey of reflection, growth, and life’s unfolding together. Your presence here makes the path richer and more meaningful. 💫

As we step into this new month, my hope for you is peace that calms, hope that lifts, and courage to embrace new beginnings. May every sunset remind you of the beauty of closing chapters, and every sunrise remind you of the gift of starting again.

Here’s to October, to fresh pages, soft sunsets, golden moments, and the light that always follows. 🕊️💛

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo

“God’s Path May Be Longer, But It Leads to Purpose”

I recently came across a powerful line;
“Just because God is taking you the long way doesn’t mean He’s taking you the wrong way.”

That struck me deeply. Because let’s be honest, we all prefer shortcuts. We want things fast, smooth, and without delays. When life stretches longer than expected, we start asking, “Did I miss it? Did God forget me? Am I even on the right path?”

But sometimes, the very detour you are questioning is the path God has chosen for you.

Shortcuts promise quick results. Whether it’s career goals, relationships, healing, or personal growth, there is always the pressure to “arrive” fast. But shortcuts often skip the lessons that prepare us for what’s ahead. You might get there quickly, but will you be ready to handle it?

The Wisdom of the Long Way

The long way is not punishment, it’s preparation. Think of it as God giving you time to build the muscle, wisdom, and faith you’ll need when you finally arrive. Sometimes the delay is protection. Sometimes it’s training. Sometimes it’s simply timing.

The Bible gives us a clear example in Exodus 13:17–18:
“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea.”

God knew the Israelites weren’t ready to face battle. The shorter way looked easier, but it wasn’t safe. The long way was God’s way of protecting and preparing them for the future.

And as Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

God’s route may not look like ours but His way is always higher, wiser, and better.

Lessons in the Waiting

Waiting seasons stretch us. They teach patience, resilience, and trust. They humble us and show us that control doesn’t always belong to us. Personally, I’ve seen areas of my life where delay forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Looking back, I realize those seasons were not wasted; they were shaping me.

Trusting God’s Timing

When God takes us the long way, it’s not to frustrate us but to form us. He knows the route. He sees the unseen. What feels like a detour to you may be the safest, most purposeful road in His plan. The long way is still the right way when it’s God’s way.

Final Encouragement

So if you find yourself in a season that feels slow, heavy, or delayed…take heart. You are not forgotten. You are being prepared. Trust His timing, trust His process.

The long way is not the wrong way.

👉 Have you ever taken the long way and later realized it was exactly where you were meant to be?

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo

Welcome to ReflectWithFlo

Hello Reflecters,

I am so excited to welcome you to ReflectWithFlo; a safe space for heartfelt reflections, intentional living, and faith-filled conversations. This is more than just a blog; it’s a journey we’re about to take together.

Here, we will pause, reflect, and grow. We’ll talk about life’s highs and lows, health, faith, relationships, and the quiet lessons hidden in our everyday experiences. My prayer is that every post you read here leaves you encouraged, motivated, and reminded that you are never walking alone.

ReflectWithFlo is not just my story, it’s our story. Together, we will rise, renew, and keep reflecting on the beauty of God’s work in and through us.

So, grab your cup of tea (or coffee 😉), take a deep breath, and let’s begin this exciting, motivating, and reflective journey.

I’d love for you to journey with me. Be sure to subscribe or check back weekly for fresh reflections that will inspire and encourage your walk-through life and faith. Together, let’s keep reflecting, renewing, and rising.

With love,
Florence 💕
ReflectWithFlo