Raising Fatherless Kids

Lori Apon
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  • Parenting

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. 4d ago

    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.

    19 min

  2. 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.

    17 min

  3. Jun 3

    218. The Language of Lament for Hurting Hearts

    On this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori welcomes Mark Vroegop, president of The Gospel Coalition and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, and Waiting Isn’t a Waste. Together, they have a meaningful conversation about grief, suffering, and the biblical practice of lament. After walking through the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn daughter, Mark began to study what Scripture teaches about crying out to God in pain while continuing to trust Him. In this episode, he explains what lament is, why it matters for grieving mothers and fatherless children, and how the Psalms give us language for sorrow, questions, and hope. If you are navigating grief, unanswered questions, or helping your children process loss, this conversation will remind you that God welcomes your tears, hears your prayers, and can be trusted even in the middle of deep pain. Key Takeaways Understanding Lament: A prayer in pain that leads to trust Teaching children to bring their grief to God Trusting God when life does not make sense Finding hope in the middle of sorrow Resources Mentioned Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy Devotional Journal by Mark Vroegop Waiting Isn’t a Waste by Mark Vroegop The Moon Is Always Round by Jonathan Gibson Scripture Referenced: Psalm 13, Psalm 55, Psalm 77, Lamentations chapter 3 Connect To connect with Perspective Ministries and learn more about resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries.

    35 min

  4. Jun 3

    217. From Rejection to Redemption: A Fatherless Son’s Story with Kyle

    In this honest conversation, Lori welcomes pastor, husband, father, and Absent Dad, Present Father contributor Kyle Ogle to share his powerful testimony of growing up without a father and the lasting impact of rejection. Kyle opens up about meeting his biological father as a young teen, only to later experience heartbreaking abandonment that shaped many of his struggles with insecurity, identity, anger, and fear of abandonment.Yet through God’s kindness, the influence of faithful men, and the healing work of Christ, Kyle’s story did not end in rejection. Today, he serves as the lead pastor of Center Church in Texas, loves being a husband and father, and points others to the truth that God truly is a present Father to the fatherless.This conversation offers hope to widowed and single mothers raising children alone, encouragement to fatherless sons and daughters wrestling with rejection, and a reminder that our stories do not have to be defined by the absence of an earthly father. Through Jesus, there is healing, identity, belonging, and redemption.Key TakeawaysThe hidden wounds of fatherlessnessHelping children process dormant griefThe importance of godly mentors and the body of ChristFinding identity in God as FatherBreaking generational cycles through ChristResources MentionedAbsent Dad, Present Father: From Loss to Light – Testimonies of God’s Unfailing Love for Fatherless ChildrenScripture Referenced: Ezekiel 18, Matthew 3, John 1, Psalm 68:5ConnectTo connect with Perspective Ministries and learn more about resources for widows and fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries

    37 min

  5. May 13

    216. Savoring Summer as a Single Mom

    Summer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are carrying the full weight of parenting alone. In this episode, we talk about how to move from simply surviving the summer to intentionally savoring it. With changing routines, increased demands, and the emotions that can surface in this season, preparation and perspective matter. This conversation offers encouragement to create a peaceful rhythm in your home, build meaningful moments with your children, and trust God to meet you in this unique season. Takeaways: Build your summer with wisdom and intention Guard the margins of your days Protect rest through boundaries Create rhythms that bring peace Connect with Perspective Ministries: Website: perspectiveministries.org Instagram: @perspectiveministries Facebook: Perspective Ministries

    20 min

  6. May 6

    215. Learning from Mothers in the Bible

    What can we learn from the mothers throughout Scripture who trusted God in difficult seasons?How does the faith of a mother shape the lives of her children, even in circumstances filled with uncertainty, grief, or hardship? In this episode, we walk through the stories of mothers in the Bible and explore the lasting impact of their faith, prayers, and perseverance. From Hannah’s heartfelt prayers to Mary’s trust in God, from Hagar in the wilderness to the widows who depended on God’s provision, Scripture reminds us again and again that God sees mothers and meets them in their need. Through both biblical examples and personal encouragement, we reflect on how God often works through the quiet faithfulness of women to shape future generations, guide children toward truth, and provide strength in seasons that feel overwhelming. This conversation offers encouragement for single moms, widows, and any mother walking through a difficult season, reminding us that God sees every sacrifice, hears every prayer, and often works powerfully through the faithful influence of a mother. Key Takeaways:God often works through the faith and prayers of a motherMotherhood in Scripture was rarely easy, yet God continually met mothers in their needA mother’s spiritual influence can shape the direction of a child’s life for generationsThe truth and wisdom a mother teaches often stays with a child long after childhoodGod never intended mothers to walk alone and often provides support through communityEven imperfect mothers can be used powerfully by God when they trust Him Connect:To learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows and fatherless families, visit our website!

    24 min

  7. Apr 29

    214. Asking for Help: The Widow and the Jars

    What does it look like to ask for help when you’re carrying the weight of parenting alone? How do we trust God to provide when our needs feel overwhelming, and our resources feel small? In this episode, we walk through the story of the widow and the jars in 2 Kings 4 and explore what it means to cry out for help in seasons of need. Through both Scripture and personal stories, we see how God meets us in our vulnerability, often working through the people around us and the small things we already have. This conversation offers encouragement for single moms, widows, and anyone walking through a season of need, reminding us that God sees, God provides, and God often works through community to carry us forward. Key Takeaways:God invites us to be honest about our needs and to cry out to Him for helpAsking for help requires humility, but it opens the door for God’s provisionGod often begins His work with what we already have, no matter how small it may seemCommunity is not optional in long-term seasons of hardship—we were created to need othersGod is our ultimate Helper, and He also uses His people to support, encourage, and sustain us Connect:To learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows and fatherless families, visit our website!

    23 min

  8. Apr 22

    213. God’s Faithfulness in the Absence of a Father

    What does it look like for a young girl to grow up without her dad and still come to know God as her Father? How do we help our children process loss, walk through milestones, and trust God when life unfolds in ways we would never choose? In this episode, Emaline Montgomery shares her story of losing her dad at a young age and how God faithfully cared for her in the years that followed. Through community, the presence of others, and the consistent reminders of truth, she experienced what it means for God to be a Father to the fatherless. This conversation offers encouragement for moms raising daughters without an earthly dad and for young women walking through fatherlessness, reminding us that God is present, personal, and faithful in every season. Key Takeaways: God often shows His fatherly care through the people He brings into our lives Presence matters more than having the right words in times of grief Trusting God does not mean understanding His plan, but believing He is still at work Grace and forgiveness within the home help both moms and children navigate loss Connect: To learn more about Perspective Ministries and resources for widows and fatherless families, visit: https://perspectiveministries.org/

    33 min
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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
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori Apon
  • Show Website
    Raising Fatherless Kids