Raising Fatherless Kids

Lori Apon
  • 5.0 (54)
  • 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. 3D AGO

    206. How to Help Grieving Toddlers

    Grief touches every stage of life, and even the toddler years. It is okay, and often anexpression of His grace, toddlers are unable to process loss as an adult would. Children grow into grief, and even when their earliest years are marked by loss, God willnot leave them or forsake them. This episode gently walks alongside mothers raising toddlers experiencing the absence ofan earthly dad, helping them understand how young children process loss. Withcompassionate insight, practical guidance, biblical encouragement, and hope, it supportsmoms carrying their own grief while shepherding their children through this season. Key Takeaways: Toddlers do not grieve like adults. Repeated questions from your toddler reflect limitedunderstanding and an inability to process the loss. Extend grace to your little one and to yourself Routine, consistency, and gentle reassurance help restore a sense of safety for grieving toddlers Moms set the emotional tone and model trust in God Scripture Encouragement: Isaiah 40:11, Deuteronomy 1:30-31, Isaiah 46:4 Other Resources: Anger in Grief Episode #204 Where’s Daddy? Helping Moms Answer Hard Questions Episode #169 Connect For encouragement, support, or biblical guidance, connect with Perspective Ministries. Website: www.perspectiveministries.org

    24 min

  2. FEB 25

    205. Trusting God When a Good Dad Is Gone

    In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori Apon sits down with Adeline Galo, a young woman who became fatherless as a teenager after losing her godly, loving dad to cancer. Adeline shares her story of grief, faith, and the slow unfolding of trust as she navigates milestones her dad is no longer here to witness. This conversation is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and a reminder that even in deep loss, He remains present. Adeline’s story is truly a trophy of grace. Key Takeaways Grief often unfolds slowly, especially through milestones when a father is not present to see God faithfully steps in as Father when an earthly dad is gone Talking about a lost parent keeps their legacy alive and brings healing Connect with Perspective Ministries Perspective Ministries exists to meet the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the widow and fatherless, encouraging them to put their trust in God. Through resources like this podcast, community gatherings, and faith-based encouragement, we walk alongside families navigating life after loss and remind them they are not alone.

    36 min

  3. FEB 18

    204. Anger in Grief: Helping Your Heart and Your Child Heal

    Anger is an unavoidable part of grief for mothers and for children. It is a God-given emotion that can intensify in the face of loss, exhaustion, and stress. Through Scripture, personal stories, and gentle counsel, this conversation explores how anger can surface, why it can become a barrier to healing if left unchecked, and how God invites us to bring our anger to Him rather than letting it take root. Moms are encouraged to respond with wisdom, create a safe space for their children to express big emotions, and trust God to redeem even this part of the journey. Key Takeaways: Anger is not the enemy, but letting it stay and linger can become a barrier to healing Grief can move from shock to frustration, and anger may surface later in the journey Pause and respond with wisdom instead of reacting, so anger does not lead to regret or bitterness Bring anger honestly to the Lord, and ask Him to shepherd your heart and guide your next steps Key Scriptures: Psalm 37:8–9, Proverbs 16:32, 29:11, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Ephesians 4:26–27, 31, James 1:19–20 Connect If this episode encouraged you, we would love to stay connected. You can learn more about resources for widows, single mothers, and fatherless children, sign up for care, or connect with our ministry at Perspective Ministries. You are not meant to walk this journey alone.

    31 min

  4. FEB 11

    203. Guiding Daughters Through Life’s Milestones Without a Dad

    Milestones throughout a daughter’s life can quietly highlight the absence of a dad, often without words or drama. From early childhood through adulthood, these moments may stir grief, questions, and longing for what is missing. This episode offers guidance for mothers as they anticipate these milestones, help their daughters process the loss honestly, and point them to the faithful hope found in God, who promises to be a Father to the fatherless. Key Takeaways: Anticipating milestones that may bring tender reminders of loss Helping your child form a narrative for their story Anchoring your daughter’s heart in God as Father Scripture Anchor “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” —Psalm 68:5 NIV Connect with Perspective Ministries To learn more, find resources for widows and single mothers, or connect with a community of support, visit perspectiveministries.org

    26 min

  5. FEB 4

    202. Give Love Away on Valentine’s Day

    Valentine’s Day can stir up many emotions, especially for single and widowed mothers raising children without their dads. What was once meaningful or simply ordinary can feel tender now. In this episode, we talk honestly about why Valentine’s Day can be hard, how perspective shapes the day, and practical ways to move forward with intention by creating new memories and giving love away. Key Takeaways: Perspective matters more than the day itself You can create new memories instead of reliving old ones Giving love away brings hope to your heart and your children Connect Perspective Ministries exists to meet the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the widow and fatherless, encouraging them to put their trust in God. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media for encouragement, resources, and connection with other moms walking a similar journey.

    16 min

  6. JAN 28

    201. Greatest Fear Becomes Reality

    Greatest Fear Becomes Reality Fear is something many single and widowed moms quietly carry, especially after loss or trauma. In this episode, Lori Apon shares personal insight and biblical truth to address the lie that fear causes painful outcomes. Through Scripture, testimony, and encouragement, this conversation reminds listeners that God is sovereign, fear does not override His will, and nothing in your story has taken Him by surprise. You will be encouraged to release shame, confront fear with truth, and trust God’s presence and grace even when what you feared has come to pass. Key Takeaways Fear does not create reality or override God’s sovereignty.When feared outcomes happen, they are not your fault and are not evidence of failure or lack of faith.Scripture clarifies that God allows trials, but fear itself is a tool the enemy uses to add shame.God may use fear as preparation, not permission, and He remains present through every season.Forgiveness is essential for healing and freedom, even when the pain is ongoing and complex.Scripture Referenced Job 3:25, Proverbs 29:25, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Psalm 56:3, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 21:20–22 Connect with Perspective Ministries To learn more about encouragement and biblical resources for widows and families raising fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries. You can listen to past podcast episodes, find hope-filled teaching, and connect with Christ-centered support through Hope Gatherings. Follow Perspective Ministries on social media for continued encouragement and updates.

    18 min

  7. JAN 21

    200. Understanding Spiritual Warfare as a Single or Widowed Mom

    Spiritual warfare is a daily reality for every believer, especially for moms raising children with an absent dad. This episode helps you understand who the enemy is, recognize his tactics, and stand firm in biblical truth. You will be encouraged to rely on God’s strength, guard your thoughts, and remain connected to a Christ-centered community as you walk this journey. Key Takeaways Be aware of the enemy’s schemes and do not give him unnecessary influence or a foothold. Know and speak God’s Word to combat lies, fear, discouragement, and doubt. Guard against isolation and stay connected to Christ-centered community. Choose forgiveness, humility, and peace as spiritual acts of obedience.Other Resources Mentioned Fervent by Priscilla Shirer Hope Gatherings for widows (link referenced in the episode) Connect with Perspective MinistriesTo learn more about resources for widows and families raising fatherless children, visit Perspective Ministries. You can listen to past podcast episodes, find encouragement, and connect with Christ-centered support through Hope Gatherings. You can also follow Perspective Ministries on social media for ongoing encouragement and updates.

    22 min

  8. JAN 14

    199. God’s Faithfulness Through Fatherlessness – A Son’s Story of Hope

    In this heartfelt conversation, Lori talks with David Welch, a husband of 42 years, father of four, and grandfather of nine, who shares his powerful story of growing up without a dad. At just eight years old, David lost his father unexpectedly and was raised by a single mother who carried the weight of providing, nurturing, and grieving alone. His journey beautifully testifies to how God pursued him, guided his steps, and became the Father he never had. David’s story, featured in Absent Dad, Present Father, offers hope to single moms raising sons and daughters without an earthly dad. His experiences remind us that God is present in the pain, faithful through the years, and intentional in bringing godly mentors at just the right time. Key Takeaways God is faithful, even in the absence of a father From early childhood through adulthood, David experienced God’s steady presence, even before he came to faith. Looking back, he sees how the Lord redirected his path countless times and gently drew him toward salvation. The role of a faithful mother matters David’s mother worked tirelessly and carried immense responsibility alone. Though he didn’t fully appreciate her sacrifices as a boy, he now sees the courage and strength it took for her to raise him with love and moral grounding. Mentorship comes in God’s timing For years, David lacked a male role model—but God provided one later through his father-in-law, a gentle pastor who modeled what it means to be a husband and father. Moms, this is a reminder: God knows the right mentors for your children and will bring them at just the right time. For moms with rebellious or wandering children David’s encouragement to mothers: Do not lose hope. Even when your son or daughter seems far from God, He is still working. The same God who pursued David is pursuing your child. Keep praying, keep pointing them to Jesus, and trust Him to write their story. Encouragement for the Listener If you’re walking this journey alone, take heart. You are not forgotten. God sees your faithfulness, and one day your children will see it too. Your story, and theirs, is still being written by a loving Father who is faithful through every season. Resources Mentioned Book: Absent Dad, Present Father: Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness to Fatherless Children David Welch’s Blog: The Scarred Oak Redemption | David Welch | Substack https//davidwelch.substack.com Connect with Perspective Ministries: PerspectiveMinistries.org Follow on Instagram @perspectiveministries

    38 min
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5
out of 5
54 Ratings

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
    208
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lori Apon
  • Show Website
    Raising Fatherless Kids

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