Raising Fatherless Kids

Lori Apon
  • 5.0 (55)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Over 20 years ago Lori Apon found herself raising eight children without a dad and in desperate need of help. Psalm 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling," became the family's anchor.Raising Fatherless Kids podcast hosts weekly conversations that offer practical guidance on how to do life with children who don't have a dad. You will hear from Lori Apon, founder of Perspective Ministries, and guests who bring hope and understanding because they have been there. The good news is that with God as Father you are never alone!

  1. 5d ago

    225. Helping Your Son Manage Anger

    In this conversation, Lori is joined by her son, Evan Apon, to discuss anger among boys growing up without a father. What can feel like sudden outbursts or emotional shutdown is often something deeper—unexpressed grief, frustration, or questions of identity. Together, they offer perspective from both a mother and son, helping you better understand what may be happening beneath the surface. You will also hear practical encouragement on how to respond with wisdom, create a safe place for conversation, and guide your son toward handling strong emotions in a healthy and God-honoring way. Key Takeaways: -Anger often reveals what is beneath the surface -Boys process emotions differently than girls -Create a safe place for honest conversation -Lead with calm and invite healthy outlets Other Resources: Understanding Emotional Changes in Fatherless Young Men with Guest Evan Apon Podcast Episode 134 Anger in Grief Podcast Episode 204 Connect with Perspective Ministries: perspectiveministries.org

  2. Jul 15

    224. Helping Our Children Discern Truth

    Every child will eventually encounter influences competing for their heart and mind. Friends, teachers, coaches, social media, music, podcasts, and culture all have influence, but only one voice will always lead them in truth. In this episode, discover practical ways to help your children develop discernment, recognize the voice of God, and build a foundation that will guide them long after they leave your home. Key Takeaways Teach your children to recognize God's voice through His Word Choose your children's influences with intentionality Surround your children with godly friendships and mentors Raise children who follow God's voice, not just yours Connect With Us Perspective Ministries exists to encourage widows, single mothers, and fatherless children through biblical guidance, practical resources, and tangible touches of care. Learn more at: perspectiveministries.org Follow Perspective Ministries on social media for encouragement and resources. Subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast so you never miss an episode. If today's episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who is raising children in today's culture. Your support helps more widows, single mothers, and fatherless families find biblical hope and encouragement. Scriptures Mentioned: Genesis 3, Ecclesiastes 1:9, 1 Kings 12, John 14:6, John 10:27, 1 Corinthians 15:33, Proverbs 13:20

  3. Jul 8

    223. The Gift of Believing in Your Son

    Many boys and young men carry an unspoken question in their hearts: Do I have what it takes? As mothers, we often express love well, but we may not realize how deeply our sons need to know that we believe in them. In this episode, we explore the powerful role a mother's words play in shaping her son's identity, confidence, resilience, and understanding of his God-given purpose. Whether your son is thriving or struggling, your belief in him can become an anchor that helps him navigate failure, overcome insecurity, and grow into the man God created him to be. Today’s episode offers practical ways to separate identity from behavior, speak truth over your son, and point him toward his ultimate identity in Christ. If you have ever wondered how to encourage your son without ignoring his weaknesses, this conversation will equip you with biblical wisdom and practical encouragement. Key Takeaways A mother's belief helps shape her son's confidence and sense of purpose. Speak truth about who your son is becoming, not just who he is today. Your son's worth is ultimately found in Christ, not in performance. Small words of encouragement can have a lifelong impact. Even when a father is absent, a mother's belief can help stabilize a son's sense of worth. Scriptures Mentioned: Proverbs 6:20–22, Ezekiel 18, Gideon (Judges 6:12), Peter (Matthew 16:18) Resources Mentioned Previous episode on freedom from the sins of the fathers and understanding Ezekiel 18. Connect with Perspective Ministries If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another single mother who is raising a son. Your encouragement may be exactly what she needs today. For more resources and encouragement for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries.

  4. Jul 1

    Hope Found: A Widow's Story of God's Faithfulness with Ginger Ravella

    What happens when the future you planned disappears in a single moment? In this powerful episode, Ginger Ravella shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband, Air Force fighter pilot Troy Gilbert, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Left to raise five children under the age of eight—including six-month-old twin daughters—Ginger found herself facing overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, and a crisis of faith. Yet through years of uncertainty, loss, and waiting, she discovered that God had not abandoned her. He was faithfully carrying her and her children through every season. Ginger shares honestly about helping her children navigate the loss of their father, learning that grief looks different for every child, and watching God provide father figures, healing, and hope in unexpected ways. She also shares the beautiful story of remarriage, blended family life, and the ways God continues to redeem what seems impossible. Whether you are grieving the death of a spouse, navigating fatherlessness in your home, or struggling to trust God through suffering, this conversation will encourage you to anchor your hope in Christ and remember that He remains faithful even in life's darkest valleys. Key Takeaways Grief Is Not Linear Children Do Not All Heal the Same Way God Continues to Father the Fatherless Hope Is Found in Christ Alone Circumstances change. People leave. Life does not always unfold as planned. But Christ remains the steadfast anchor for every grieving heart. Scripture Mentioned: Psalm 34:18, Hebrews 6:19, Micah 6:8, Revelation 12:11 Resources Mentioned Hope Found: When life isn’t all you hoped it would be by Jim and Ginger Ravella WidowLife Magazine: Hope for the Holidays Edition Widow Support (Boxes of Comfort and Care) Connect With Perspective Ministries: If you are a widow or single mother raising children with an absent father, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Perspective Ministries exists to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support while pointing families to the faithfulness of God, our perfect Father.

  5. Jul 1

    222. Hope Found: A Widow's Story of God's Faithfulness with Ginger Ravella

    What happens when the future you planned disappears in a single moment? In this powerful episode, Ginger Ravella shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband, Air Force fighter pilot Troy Gilbert, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Left to raise five children under the age of eight—including six-month-old twin daughters—Ginger found herself facing overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, and a crisis of faith. Yet through years of uncertainty, loss, and waiting, she discovered that God had not abandoned her. He was faithfully carrying her and her children through every season.Ginger shares honestly about helping her children navigate the loss of their father, learning that grief looks different for every child, and watching God provide father figures, healing, and hope in unexpected ways. She also shares the beautiful story of remarriage, blended family life, and the ways God continues to redeem what seems impossible. Whether you are grieving the death of a spouse, navigating fatherlessness in your home, or struggling to trust God through suffering, this conversation will encourage you to anchor your hope in Christ and remember that He remains faithful even in life's darkest valleys.Key TakeawaysGrief Is Not LinearChildren Do Not All Heal the Same WayGod Continues to Father the FatherlessHope Is Found in Christ AloneCircumstances change. People leave. Life does not always unfold as planned. But Christ remains the steadfast anchor for every grieving heart.Scripture Mentioned:Psalm 34:18, Hebrews 6:19, Micah 6:8, Revelation 12:11Resources MentionedHope Found: When life isn’t all you hoped it would be by Jim and Ginger RavellaWidowLife Magazine: Hope for the Holidays EditionWidow Support (Boxes of Comfort and Care)Connect With Perspective MinistriesIf you are a widow or single mother raising children with an absent father, you do not have to walk this journey alone. Perspective Ministries exists to provide practical, emotional, and spiritual support while pointing families to the faithfulness of God, our perfect Father.

  6. Jun 24

    221. Breaking Generational Patterns: Children Are Not Bound by the Past

    Father’s Day may be behind us, but many mothers are still carrying fears about the future of their children. Will the painful patterns of the past repeat themselves? Are children with absent fathers destined to follow the same destructive paths? In this episode, we look to Ezekiel 18 and discover the powerful truth that even though generational sin patterns may be real, they are not binding chains for those who walk with God. Through Scripture, practical encouragement, and biblical examples, this episode reminds moms that their children are not doomed by the sins of the fathers. In Christ, God writes new stories, restores sinful legacies, and offers true freedom. If you are raising children while carrying the weight of painful family history, this conversation will encourage you to parent from faith instead of fear and to trust God with the future of your family. Takeaways: Generational patterns are real, but they are not stronger than God’s redemption Your children are not defined by the sins of the fathers Moms can intentionally build a new spiritual legacy of trust in God Freedom begins when we replace lies with truth and walk in forgiveness Connect: To connect with Perspective Ministries and learn more about resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries

  7. Jun 17

    220. Helping Children Process the Absence of Dad with Hope

    As Father’s Day approaches, this episode offers encouragement for mothers raising children without an earthly dad. It speaks to the tension children often feel between the absence of dad and the presence of God as Father. Moms are reminded that acknowledging grief is important, but so is gently redirecting children toward the truth of God’s faithful presence. Through practical encouragement, personal stories, and biblical hope, this conversation offers guidance for helping children process loss honestly while learning to trust the God who promises to be “a Father to the fatherless.” It also shares practical ways to create intentional conversations with children, help them recognize God’s care, replace lies with truth, and model faith in the middle of suffering. Whether this season feels especially tender or you are simply looking for ways to guide your children with hope, this episode is a reminder that your children are not without a Father. Takeaways: Acknowledging the absence without dismissing the pain Redirecting children to the truth of God’s presence Creating intentional conversations Helping children recognize God’s care in everyday life Replacing lies with identity and truth Modeling trust in God through your own grief Resources Mentioned: Absent Dad, Present Father  Connect with Perspective Ministries for encouragement, resources, and support for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children.

  8. Jun 10

    219. When it Feels that Joy is Lost

    In this tender episode, the difficult phrase “I have lost my joy” is explored with compassion and biblical hope. There are seasons where something feels different, heavier, and emotionally distant. Grief, exhaustion, disappointment, loneliness, overwhelming circumstances, spiritual battles, and even physical struggles can leave someone feeling as though joy has disappeared completely. This episode gently reminds listeners that while the feeling of joy may fade, the true source of joy has not been lost. Scripture speaks of joy as something deeper than happiness or emotion. It is the steady confidence that God is present and at work, even in suffering. For the woman who feels weary, numb, discouraged, or overwhelmed, this conversation offers honest encouragement without minimizing the reality of pain. God is not asking His children to pretend everything is fine. He meets them in the valley, walks with them through it, and remains faithful in every season. Even here, God has not abandoned you. Key Takeaways Joy is deeper than happiness or changing emotions God meets us honestly in seasons of heaviness Trials, grief, exhaustion, and discouragement can affect how joy feels The source of true joy is found in God’s presence Scriptures Referenced: James 1, Hebrews 12:2, Psalm 51:12, Nehemiah 8:10 Connect with Perspective Ministries If this episode encouraged you, connect with Perspective Ministries for resources and encouragement for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children.

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5
out of 5
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About

Over 20 years ago Lori Apon found herself raising eight children without a dad and in desperate need of help. Psalm 68:5, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling," became the family's anchor.Raising Fatherless Kids podcast hosts weekly conversations that offer practical guidance on how to do life with children who don't have a dad. You will hear from Lori Apon, founder of Perspective Ministries, and guests who bring hope and understanding because they have been there. The good news is that with God as Father you are never alone!

Information

  • Creator
    Lori Apon
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori Apon
  • Show Website
    Raising Fatherless Kids

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