Raising Fatherless Kids

Unexpected expenses, rejection, harsh words, and disappointment can hit us like a hammer. When the pain is still throbbing, it can be difficult to think clearly and respond wisely.In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori shares four practical steps to help us respond in a way that honors the Lord: Pause. Pray. Ponder. Proceed.As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, learn how to navigate difficult emotions, relationships, and unexpected circumstances by turning to God for wisdom, holding your thoughts against the truth of Scripture, and trusting Him with what happens next.Key TakeawaysPause before reacting to your pain.Pray and ask God for His perspective.Ponder Scripture to determine what is true.Proceed in a way that honors the Lord.Scriptures Referenced: Isaiah 26:3, Proverbs 15:1, 15:28, 19:11, Romans 13:7–8, and 2 Corinthians 10:5.Resource Mentioned Absent Dad Present Father: Through the stories of those who understand father absence, children and families are reminded that when an earthly father is absent, God is present.Learn more at⁠ Perspective Ministries⁠.

Have you ever considered that your child might be afraid of becoming an orphan?For children growing up without a dad, the fear of losing their mom may be very real, even if they never say a word. If Daddy died, could Mommy die too? If Daddy left, could Mommy leave? Who would take care of me?These are big concerns for little hearts.In recognition of Orphan Sunday, Lori shares God's compassion for orphans and the fatherless, including the biblical understanding of an orphan and God's promises of faithful care.She also addresses a concern single mothers may overlook: the fear their children may carry about losing their remaining parent. Drawing from her own experience raising eight children after the death of her husband, Lori offers six practical ways to prepare wisely, have age-appropriate conversations, and help children find security in God's promises.We cannot promise our children they will never experience another loss, but we can point them to the One who has promised never to leave or forsake them.Key TakeawaysMake practical plans for your children's future care.When sharing future plans with your children, consider their age and maturity. Don't put into the suitcase of their hearts what is too heavy for them to carry. Give them only what their hearts can hold.Teach your children to trust God rather than live in fear.Point your children to God's promises and faithful presence.Scripture References:Deuteronomy 31:8; Psalm 27:10, 56:3, 68:5, 139:16, 146:9; Hosea 14:3; Hebrews 13:5; James 1:27.Our children do not need to know everything about their future. They need to know the God who holds the future. "For in You the orphan finds mercy." — Hosea 14:3Thank you for listening to Raising Fatherless Kids! If this episode encouraged you, please share it with another mom who may need this reminder of God's faithful care.Visit Perspective Ministries for biblical encouragement, practical resources, and a community of support for widows and fatherless families.

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 TakeawaysRecognize 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 MentionedAbsent 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 FearHalloween: A Christian’s Guide to a Controversial HolidayStay ConnectedPerspective 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.

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 TakeawaysRecognize 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 MentionedAbsent 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 HolidayPerspectiveministries.orgClosing EncouragementGod'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 56:3Whatever fear you or your children may be facing today, remember that God is with you, and He can be trusted.

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 TakeawaysHelp 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 61:3Resources MentionedAbsent 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.

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 TakeawaysTrusting God when you do not understandLetting what you know about God’s character guide your response to unexpected circumstancesRecognizing where your trust may be misplacedSurrendering the process and outcome to GodScriptures 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 4:19Resource Mentioned: Absent Dad Present FatherWhen 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.

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 widowsYou are covered, even when life feels exposedGod defends what is entrusted to youScripture References:Proverbs 15:25, 23:10–11, Psalm 16:6, 68:5, 139:5Other Resources:Anger in Grief: Helping your Heart and Your Child Heal Podcast Episode 204 with Lori AponConnectYou can learn more about Perspective Ministries, find resources for widows and mothers raising fatherless children, and connect with upcoming gatherings at www.perspectiveministries.orgYou are not alone. God sees you, He is present, and He is faithfully defending you and your children.

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 28:20Connect 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.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and there is no timetable for how long it should last. But overtime, the reminders of loss can either help us remember with gratitude or keep us anchored to thepain. This episode explores how to recognize “trophies of grief” and prayerfully replace themwith “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 4:13Connect with Perspective MinistriesVisit Perspective Ministries to find biblical encouragement and resources for widows, singlemothers, and fatherless children.Follow Perspective Ministries on social media and subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kidspodcast so you don't miss an episode.

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 TakeawaysCommon questions families face after a suicide lossHelping children process grief in healthy, biblical waysTruths that protect against guilt, shame, and fearHow churches and friends can faithfully support grieving familiesScriptures Mentioned:Genesis 50:20, Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 41:10 and 46:1, Ezekiel 18, John 10:10, Hebrews 13:5Resources MentionedAbsent Dad, Present FatherSolace for Suicide bookletChildren are not bound by the Past from Ezekiel 18 Podcast Episode # 221Hope, Hurt, and Healing Podcast Episode #181 with Catherine RenfroHelping Children Grieve Loss by Suicide Podcast Episode #129The Sovereignty of God in SuicideConnect with Perspective MinistriesIf 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.