Raising Fatherless Kids

Lori Apon
  • 5.0 (55)
  • Parenting
  • 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

    239. Fighting Spiritual Battles: Standing Firm in God's Strength

    Spiritual battles are real, but we do not have to live in fear. Jesus Christ has already defeated the enemy, and God has given us everything we need to stand firm in His strength. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori explores what Scripture teaches about spiritual warfare, how God trains us for battle, and the importance of putting on and taking up the full armor of God. For mothers raising children with an absent dad, protecting and nurturing your family can feel overwhelming. Yet God has not left us to fight alone. He is our defender, our strength, and the strong Redeemer of the fatherless. Four Key Takeaways Recognize the real enemy. Allow God to train you for battle. Put on the full armor of God. Tend the field God has entrusted to you. Remember: The battle is real, but so is our God. He is greater! Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 18:34; 23:5; 144:1; Proverbs 24:10, 30–34; Luke 22:31–32; John 8:44; Ephesians 6:10–20; Colossians 2:15; James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8–9. Resources Mentioned Absent Dad Present Father — Discover stories of God's faithfulness to those experiencing father absence through death, divorce, or desertion. When an earthly father is absent, God is present. Related Episode: Facing Fear Halloween: A Christian’s Guide to a Controversial Holiday Stay Connected Perspective Ministries exists to encourage the widow and fatherless to put their trust in God. Visit Perspective Ministries to discover biblical encouragement, practical resources, and hope for families navigating father absence.

  2. Oct 21

    238. Facing Fear

    Fear is a natural response to uncertainty, loss, and circumstances beyond our control. For single moms and children growing up without a dad, fears of rejection, abandonment, failure, and more loss can become very real. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori Apon explores what Scripture teaches about facing fear without allowing it to control our thoughts and decisions. Through biblical examples and God's promises, we are reminded that God’s command "do not fear" is not because there is nothing to fear, but because He is with us. Circumstances, danger, and loss may be real, but God is greater than what we fear. Key Takeaways Recognize fear without allowing it to control you. Help your children confront fear with God's truth. Remember God's promises when facing uncertainty. Choose to trust God when you are afraid. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 15:1, Genesis 21:17, Exodus 14:13, Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:9, 2 Chronicles 20:15, Psalm 9:10, 23:4, 27:1, 27:10, 34:4, 46:1–2, 56:3, 112:7, Proverbs 29:25, Isaiah 41:10, 41:13, 54:13, Matthew 14:27, 14:30, Mark 4:40, John 6:37, 14:27, Acts 18:9–10, 2 Corinthians 7:5, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5–6, 1 John 4:18. Resources Mentioned Absent Dad Present Father: True stories of father absence that point readers to the hope and security found in God as Father. Hope for the Holidays WidowLife Magazine: Biblical encouragement and practical guidance for widows navigating holidays throughout the year. Single Mom Considerations for Fall: Biblical perspectives on Halloween and alternatives for families. Halloween: A Christian’s Guide to Navigating a Controversial Holiday Perspectiveministries.org Closing Encouragement God's command to "Do not fear" was often spoken to people facing very real circumstances. He did not promise they would never encounter difficulties, but He reminded them of His presence, power, and faithfulness. "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You." — Psalm 56:3 Whatever fear you or your children may be facing today, remember that God is with you, and He can be trusted.

  3. Oct 14

    237. God's Faithfulness Through Fatherlessness, Widowhood, and Adoption | Andrea Jo Fountain

    When Andrea Jo Fountain was ten years old, she watched her dad drive away, leaving her with questions and pain that went unspoken for decades. Years later, after experiencing the loss of one marriage through divorce and then the profound loss of her second husband through sudden death, Andrea Jo discovered God's faithfulness in ways she never imagined. In this hope-filled conversation, Andrea Jo shares how Scripture became her foundation, how God met her in seasons of deep grief, and how He led her to become a foster and adoptive mother in her fifties. Her story is a beautiful reminder that God never leaves us and can bring beauty from ashes. Key Takeaways Help your children talk openly about their grief and loss. Build a foundation of truth through Scripture memorization. Look for God's faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances. Trust God to equip you for what He calls you to do. Scripture References: Psalm 16:8, Isaiah 6:8, 55:11, and 61:3 Resources Mentioned Absent Dad Present Father — Stories of hope from men and women who experienced father absence through death, divorce, or desertion, with Scripture-based devotionals. Visit Perspective Ministries for these resources and additional encouragement.

  4. Oct 7

    236. Trusting God When You Don’t Understand: How to Avoid Misplaced Trust

    What does it mean to trust God when you don’t understand what He is doing? Trusting God is more than believing He will give us the outcome we want. It means confidently relying on who God is and what He has said, even when we cannot see or understand what He is doing. In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori shares how God has taught her to trust Him through uncertainty, loss, and seasons of waiting. She also addresses the subtle danger of misplaced trust, especially when we are weary and tempted to look to ourselves, another person, or an easier way out for what only God can provide. You may not know why, how, or when God will answer, but you can know the One you are trusting. Key Takeaways Trusting God when you do not understand Letting what you know about God’s character guide your response to unexpected circumstances Recognizing where your trust may be misplaced Surrendering the process and outcome to God Scriptures Mentioned: Psalms 9:10, 37:5, 46:1, 56:3–4, 62:8, 68:5, 91; Proverbs 3:5–6; Isaiah 26:3–4; Philippians 4:19 Resource Mentioned: Absent Dad Present Father When an earthly dad is absent, God is present. Absent Dad Present Father shares real stories of an absent father along with devotional encouragement and Anchor Trust verses to help mothers and children put their trust in God, His character, His Word, and His promises. Learn more at PerspectiveMinistries.org.

  5. Sep 30

    235. Biblical Boundaries: God’s Protection for Widows & Fatherless Kids

    Boundaries can feel confusing, painful, or even threatening, especially after loss. For widows and single moms, it may seem as though all protection has been stripped away. But Scripture tells a different story. In this episode, we look at God’s promise to set and guard the boundary stones of the widow. Long before boundaries became a modern conversation, God established Himself as the protector and defender of the vulnerable. You will be reminded that even in seasons where life feels exposed, God has drawn clear lines of protection around you and your children. This episode is both reassuring and points listeners back to the safety, authority, and care of our Heavenly Father. Key Takeaways: God sets and protects boundaries for widows You are covered, even when life feels exposed God defends what is entrusted to you Scripture References: Proverbs 15:25, 23:10–11, Psalm 16:6, 68:5, 139:5 Other Resources: Anger in Grief: Helping your Heart and Your Child Heal Podcast Episode 204 with Lori Apon Connect You can learn more about Perspective Ministries, find resources for widows and mothers raising fatherless children, and connect with upcoming gatherings at www.perspectiveministries.org You are not alone. God sees you, He is present, and He is faithfully defending you and your children.

  6. Sep 23

    234. God of Comfort with Lisa Appelo

    Grief can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, and unsure of how to move forward. While God does not always remove the pain of loss, He promises to meet us in it. In this episode, Lori talks with bestselling author Lisa Appelo about experiencing God as the God of comfort and learning to trust His character through grief. Lisa shares how daily time in God’s Word helped her walk through the sudden loss of her husband and discover that life can be good again. Key Takeaways:How God meets us in the pain and loneliness of grief.What it means to do the hard work of grief through lament and trust.Why knowing the character of God can bring comfort when circumstances do not change.How giving joy and comfort to others can help us experience joy again. Scripture:2 Corinthians 1:3–4, Matthew 28:20 Connect with Perspective MinistriesVisit Perspective Ministries to find biblical encouragement and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media and subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast so you don't miss an episode.

  7. Sep 16

    233. Recognizing and Releasing What Keeps Us Anchored to Grief

    Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no timetable for how long it should last. But over time, the reminders of loss can either help us remember with gratitude or keep us anchored to the pain. This episode explores how to recognize “trophies of grief” and prayerfully replace them with “trophies of grace”—reminders that put God's faithfulness on display. Key Takeaways: How to recognize when grief may be holding you hostage. Knowing when it may be time to let go of reminders of loss. Why grief should not become your identity. Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1–4, 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Connect with Perspective Ministries Visit Perspective Ministries to find biblical encouragement and resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media and subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast so you don't miss an episode.

  8. Sep 9

    232. Suicide Loss: Finding Hope When the Questions Remain

    During Suicide Awareness Week, we are having an honest conversation about one of the most difficult kinds of loss. Drawing from personal experience after the death of her husband by suicide, Lori shares biblical hope for those grieving the loss of a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend. In this episode, you'll hear practical guidance for helping children process suicide loss, learn how to respond to the questions and lies that often follow tragedy, and be reminded that even when answers are not found, God remains faithful. Whether your loss is recent or many years ago, there is hope because the absence of an earthly father never changes the presence of our heavenly Father. Key Takeaways Common questions families face after a suicide loss Helping children process grief in healthy, biblical ways Truths that protect against guilt, shame, and fear How churches and friends can faithfully support grieving families Scriptures Mentioned: Genesis 50:20, Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 41:10 and 46:1, Ezekiel 18, John 10:10, Hebrews 13:5 Resources Mentioned Absent Dad, Present Father Solace for Suicide booklet Children are not bound by the Past from Ezekiel 18 Podcast Episode # 221 Hope, Hurt, and Healing Podcast Episode #181 with Catherine Renfro Helping Children Grieve Loss by Suicide Podcast Episode #129 The Sovereignty of God in Suicide Connect with Perspective Ministries If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who may need hope today. To learn more about Perspective Ministries and discover resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or contact your local emergency services if you are elsewhere.

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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
    243
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori Apon
  • Show Website
    Raising Fatherless Kids

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