Raising Fatherless Kids

In this special anniversary episode, we reflect on four years of Raising Fatherless Kids and the stories that have shaped this journey. Through testimonies of men and women who grew up with an absent dad, we are reminded that while fatherlessness leaves a deep impact, it does not have the final word.This episode highlights common struggles and victories of those who have experienced the absence of a father and offers encouragement to moms walking this path with their children. Above all, it points to the faithfulness of God as a present Father who brings healing, purpose, and hope.Key Takeaways:Healing begins when identity is rooted in GodForgiveness is a turning point that opens the door to freedom and healingGod often provides mentors and spiritual leaders to help care for fatherless childrenScripture Highlight: Psalm 68:5, Revelation 12:11Resources Mentioned:Absent Dad, Present Father (upcoming resource)Nothing Is Wasted PodcastEncouragement for Moms:Mom, the work you are doing matters more than you know. The days may feel long, but they are full of purpose. Your child is not defined by what is missing. As you trust God, He will be present in ways only He can.Connect:If you have a story to share or a topic you would love to hear discussed, Email: lori@PerspectiveMinistries.org

As we enter Easter week, this episode reflects on the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the powerful example of her faith through every season. From being chosen by God, walking through deep suffering, to waiting in silence, and finally rejoicing in the resurrection, Mary’s journey reminds us that God is present in every chapter.For widows and single moms, this is a hope-filled reminder: God sees you, He is with you, and He is working, even in the quiet and uncertain moments.Key Takeaways:God is with you in every season of your lifeYou can trust God even when you do not understandWaiting seasons are not wasted—God is workingResurrection reminds us that loss does not have the final wordScriptures Mentioned: Luke 1:45, John 10:10, 19:26–27, Acts 1:4–5, 14, Ephesians 1Encouragement for Moms:Mary’s story is not just a story of the past; it is an invitation for your present.You may be:Pondering questions you do not have answers toWalking through deep sufferingSitting in a season that feels quiet and unseenWaiting on God to moveJust like Mary, you can trust that God is with you in every moment. He has not stepped away from your life. He is present, faithful, and still working.Connect With Us:We would love to hear from you.If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a rating and review? It helps other moms find hope and support through the podcast.You can also share this episode with a friend who may need encouragement this Easter season.To connect, share your story, or reach out: lori@PerspectiveMinistries.orgAnd for more resources, encouragement, and support for widows and single moms, visit: PerspectiveMinistries.org

When life feels urgent, loud, and out of control, the invitation to “be still” can feel impossible. In this episode, we take a deeper look at Psalm 46 and what it truly means to cease striving and trust God in the middle of uncertainty.Through the picture of a sacred pause, we explore how stillness becomes a place of refuge where we bring our fears, lies, and overwhelming emotions before the Lord, and allow Him to be our defender. Looking at the example of Hezekiah and the promises found in Scripture, we are reminded that God is ever present, actively at work, and faithful in every battle we face.For widows and single moms, this is an invitation to release what cannot be controlled, trust God’s timing, and rest in His strength.Key Takeaways:Stillness is choosing to cease striving and trust GodYou can bring every lie and fear before the LordGod is your refuge, your defender, and ever-present helpWaiting on God is trusting His timingScripture Focus: Exodus 14:14, Psalm 4:4, Psalm 37:7, Psalm 46:1, 5, 10, Psalm 68:5Encouragement for Moms:Mom, when everything feels overwhelming, you do not have to carry it all or solve it all today. God invites you into stillness to rest under His care and trust Him with what feels out of control.He is near. He is your defender. And He is faithfully at work.Connect + Next Steps:If this episode encouraged you, share it with another mom who may need this reminder.Take time this week to practice stillness before the Lord. Open His Word, give Him your concerns, and sit quietly in His presence.If this podcast has been meaningful to you, I would love for you to leave a review or send a message. Your encouragement helps us continue reaching widows and single moms with biblical hope and practical care.

Spring often brings milestone moments like school dances, first dates, and new relationships. For single mothers, this season can stir both pride and concern. How do you guide your son as he begins to step into manhood without a father at home to model dating, marriage, and masculinity?In this Mom and Man episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori is joined by her son, Evan Apon, for an honest and practical conversation about dating, dances, relationships, and the unique challenges fatherless boys may face as they grow into young men.Together, Lori and Evan talk about the gaps many fatherless boys feel, the importance of godly male mentors, how moms can help prepare sons for dating with wisdom and boundaries, and why respect, purity, and intentionality matter from the very beginning.This episode offers both encouragement and practical insight for moms who want to help their sons honor the Lord in relationships and grow into men of character.Takeaways from this episode:Fatherless boys often feel the absence of a dad more deeply during dating milestonesMoms can help lay a foundation of respect, responsibility, and godly characterSons need godly men who can speak wisdom into their livesGod remains faithful to father and guide your child through every seasonKey encouragement from this episode:You do not have to do this alone. God is Father to the fatherless, and He is faithful to guide both you and your son through every new season. Even when the road feels unfamiliar, the Lord sees your child, watches over him, and will help you lead with wisdom, prayer, and grace.Share this episode:If this conversation encouraged you, share it with another mom who may need hope and practical wisdom for this season.

Today’s episode features a special behind-the-scenes listen from Perspective Ministries’ Fifth Annual Luncheon of Hope in partnership with Hope Gathering. You’ll hear powerful testimonies from widows in different seasons and encouragement from Tami Glasco—all centered on one truth: God sees you, is with you, and loves you.Widow Panel HighlightsLoretta Brewster (married 30 years) shares about losing her husband to liver cancer and rebuilding her life through faith, community, GriefShare, and Hope Gathering.Pippa Hidden reflects on caregiving through her husband’s rare cancer and finding comfort in Genesis 16 and 21—El Roi, the God who sees.Brittany Brooker, widowed at 25 with three young sons, shares how she experienced God’s love through his presence, his people, and his promises.Message from Tami GlascoTami shares key moments from her story and anchors her message in a simple truth: “Jesus loves me, this I know.” She encourages widows to stand on God’s Word and stay rooted in community.Connect and Find SupportIf you are a widow and longing for community, you do not have to walk this journey alone.Hope Gathering, founded by Tami Glasco, is a Christ-centered nonprofit ministry connecting widows in local communities across the United States and Canada. Through small, relational gatherings, widows find encouragement, friendship, and spiritual support from women who understand the journey. To learn more or find a group near you, visit Hope Gathering.You can also connect with Perspective Ministries, founded by Lori Apon, for resources that support widows and fatherless families through events, biblical encouragement, and practical care. Visit our website to learn more, sign up for support, or partner with us in serving widows and fatherless children.

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 yourselfRoutine, consistency, and gentle reassurance help restore a sense of safety for grieving toddlersMoms set the emotional tone and model trust in GodScripture Encouragement: Isaiah 40:11, Deuteronomy 1:30-31, Isaiah 46:4Other Resources:Anger in Grief Episode #204Where’s Daddy? Helping Moms Answer Hard Questions Episode #169ConnectFor encouragement, support, or biblical guidance, connect with Perspective Ministries.Website: www.perspectiveministries.org

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 TakeawaysGrief often unfolds slowly, especially through milestones when a father is not present to seeGod faithfully steps in as Father when an earthly dad is goneTalking about a lost parent keeps their legacy alive and brings healingConnect with Perspective MinistriesPerspective 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.

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 healingGrief can move from shock to frustration, and anger may surface later in the journeyPause and respond with wisdom instead of reacting, so anger does not lead to regret or bitternessBring anger honestly to the Lord, and ask Him to shepherd your heart and guide your next stepsKey Scriptures:Psalm 37:8–9, Proverbs 16:32, 29:11, Ecclesiastes 7:9, Ephesians 4:26–27, 31, James 1:19–20ConnectIf 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.

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 lossHelping your child form a narrative for their storyAnchoring your daughter’s heart in God as FatherScripture Anchor“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling.” —Psalm 68:5 NIVConnect with Perspective MinistriesTo learn more, find resources for widows and single mothers, or connect with a community of support, visit perspectiveministries.org

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 itselfYou can create new memories instead of reliving old onesGiving love away brings hope to your heart and your childrenConnectPerspective 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.

Greatest Fear Becomes RealityFear 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 TakeawaysFear 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 ReferencedJob 3:25, Proverbs 29:25, Ecclesiastes 11:4, Psalm 56:3, 2 Timothy 1:7, John 21:20–22Connect with Perspective MinistriesTo 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.

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 TakeawaysBe 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 MentionedFervent by Priscilla ShirerHope 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.

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 TakeawaysGod 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 ListenerIf 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 MentionedBook: Absent Dad, Present Father: Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness to Fatherless ChildrenDavid Welch’s Blog: The Scarred Oak Redemption | David Welch | Substackhttps//davidwelch.substack.comConnect with Perspective Ministries: PerspectiveMinistries.org Follow on Instagram @perspectiveministries

The start of a new year often brings both relief after the holidays and a desire for a fresh beginning. In this episode, mothers are encouraged to make God’s Word a foundation in their home by intentionally teaching the Bible to their children.You do not need to be a Bible expert or have a perfect routine. This episode offers simple ways to begin learning Scripture together and trusting God to bring forth fruit from the seeds planted.Key TakeawaysWhat Scripture Says About God’s WordGuidance on how to instill God’s Word into the hearts of your childrenSuggested Scripture for memorizationAn overview of how to teach the Bible to your children from preschool to the teenage yearsTrusted ResourcesThe Big Picture BibleHappy Hymnody The New City Catechism: 52 Questions and Answers for Our Hearts and Minds Old Story NewThe Ology: Ancient Truths, Ever New (The Kid's Theology Series) by Marty MachowskiWonderFull: Ancient Psalms Ever New (The Kid's Theology Series) by Marty MachowskiThe Bible Recap for Kids: A 365-Day Guide Through the Bible for Young Readers Ages 8-12  by Tara-Leigh Cobble If you would like additional encouragement and resources for raising fatherless children, we would love to connect with you. Visit perspectiveministries.org for more podcast episodes, Bible-based resources, and information on Hope Gatherings in your area. 

As the year comes to a close, Lori invites single and widowed mothers to pause, reflect, andremember God's faithfulness. Whether this New Year’s Eve is quiet, heavy, hopeful, or filledwith questions, Lori shares encouragement from Scripture, from her home, and from the ministryGod has built through Perspective Ministries.In this tender episode, she reflects on angels, shepherds, and the Christmas story—then followsMary’s example of “treasuring and pondering” all that God has done. Lori offers simplereflection questions for moms and children, shares her family’s “Year at a Glance” tradition, andopens her own heart about her word of the year, her family updates, ministry milestones, andGod’s continued goodness.Four Practical Takeaways1. Pause and remember God’s faithfulness.2. Reflect as a family using simple questions.3. Notice God’s care in your personal story.4. Look ahead with hope, trusting God’s gentle leading.Connect with Lori and Perspective Ministries● Website: perspectiveministries.org● Email: lori@perspectiveministries.org● Subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform● Share this episode with a mom who may be entering the new year with sorrow, hope, or both.

On Christmas Eve, Lori invites single and widowed moms into the heart of the Christmas story—the Lamb of God who came near. While Christmas Eve is often portrayed as peaceful and serene, many moms raising children with an absent dad experience a night filled with pain, tears, and last–minute responsibilities. Lori offers compassion, biblical truth, and practical encouragement for mothers navigating Christmas with both hope and heartache.Tracing the Lamb of God through Scripture, from Genesis to the Gospels, Lori shows how Jesus has always been God’s plan of rescue and redemption. She reminds moms that Emmanuel, God with us, meets them in the loneliness and the sorrow, offering His presence, protection, and peace.In this episode, Lori shares:- Honest reflections from her own Christmas Eves as a widowed mom - How Jesus, the Lamb of God, appears throughout Scripture:-- Genesis 22 and God’s provision of the ram-- Exodus 12 and the Passover lamb-- Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of the suffering servant- The beauty of Emmanuel—God with us—in sorrow, uncertainty, and in the absence of an earthly dad- Encouragement for single and widowed moms facing fresh grief during the holidaysKey Takeaways:1. Jesus has always been the Lamb of God.2. God comes near to the humble and hurting.3. Emmanuel means you are not alone.4. Your children can experience the hope of Christmas in simple, meaningful ways.Connect with Lori and Perspective MinistriesWebsite: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: lori@perspectiveministries.orgSubscribe to YouTube and your favorite podcast platform!Share this episode with a mom spending Christmas Eve in the quiet ache of what is missing.

As Christmas approaches and the days grow full and emotional, Lori invites single and widowed moms to look at a tender part of the Christmas story—the shepherds. These quiet, ordinary men were the first to hear the news that Jesus, the Savior, had come. Their story offers comfort for mothers raising children without an earthly dad, reminding us that God is our faithful Shepherd who watches, protects, provides, and gently leads those who have young.In this episode, Lori shares from Scripture, from her 26 years of widowhood, and from her heart as a mom who raised eight fatherless children. She highlights the shepherds’ role in the Christmas story and offers six practical ways God shepherds single and widowed mothers today.Key Takeaways:1. The shepherds reveal God’s heart for the overlooked and overwhelmed. He sees single and widowed moms who feel unnoticed and promises to be their Shepherd, watching over their families.2. God gently leads mothers who have young. He guides you one step at a time, equips you with wisdom, and holds you when you feel weak.3. Six comforting ways God shepherds moms raising children with an absent dad.4. Encouragement for mothers in fresh grief who are facing Christmas with tears and questions.Scriptures Mentioned:Isaiah 30:15, 40:11Psalm 68:5Proverbs 27:23Luke 2:8–20John 10:11Hebrews 13:20–21Connect with Lori and Perspective MinistriesWebsite: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: lori@perspectiveministries.orgSubscribe to YouTube and your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with another mom who needs to know she is not alone this Christmas

Single and widowed moms often hear well–meaning phrases like, “Your daddy is now your guardian angel.” In this episode, Lori gently unpacks what Scripture really says about angels, clarifies common misunderstandings, and offers comforting, hope–filled truth you can share with your children. Key Takeaways for Moms:1. Do our loved ones become angels when they die?2. Angels in Scripture3. Angels in our lives today4. How to teach our children about angelsScriptures Mentioned:Psalm 34:7, 91Matthew 18:10, 22:30Luke 2:8–20, 20:35–362 Corinthians 5:8Hebrews 1:14Revelation 5:11–12; 7:11–12Connect with Lori and Perspective Ministries:Website: perspectiveministries.orgEmail: lori@perspectiveministries.orgSubscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and YouTube channel, and share this episode with a mom who is wondering how to talk with her children about angels and their loved ones in heaven.

In this heartfelt Christmas-season episode of Raising Fatherless Kids, Lori shares the pivotal moment when God whispered, “You are just the mom.”For every mother feeling the pressure to fill the void of an absent dad—through death, divorce, or desertion—this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to do it all. God’s presence is enough.Lori is joined by her son Evan, who offers practical wisdom for moms raising sons without a father, with insightful encouragement for every stage of a boy’s growth from toddler to young man. Together, they share stories, laughter, and truth about letting go of perfection, resting in God’s peace, and trusting Him to father your children in ways you never can.Key TakeawaysYou are just the mom—and that’s enough You cannot be both mom and dad. God never asked you to fill that role. He is the Father to the fatherless, and He will fill every gap.Simplify the season Christmas does not have to look perfect. Focus on peace over perfection. Choose simplicity, invite others in, and make room for God’s presence.Raise sons with grace and space Let your boys be boys. Give them room to grow, to fall, and to rise again. Affirm them, pray for them, and respect them; your influence matters deeply.Trust God’s faithful fatherhood You are called to mother with faith, not fear. God is working in your children’s hearts, shaping them into who He created them to be.Stay Connected Stay connected for more hope-filled encouragement by subscribing to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and visiting PerspectiveMinistries.org or following Perspective Ministries on social media.

As Thanksgiving approaches, many single and widowed moms feel the pain of an empty chair at the table,  a tender reminder of who is missing. This heartfelt episode offers hope and gentle guidance for moms navigating grief, change, and new traditions.Whether you are facing your first holiday without your husband or walking through another year of absence, you are reminded that God’s grace meets you right where you are. His presence fills the quiet spaces with peace that surpasses understanding.Key TakeawaysGive sorrow a seat. Acknowledge the empty chair and the memories it represents. Allow tears and laughter to coexist.Gratitude and grief can sit side by side. Giving thanks magnifies God’s goodness, even in hard seasons.Look ahead with hope. Trust God for the strength, provision, and peace you need in the days ahead. Allow grace for yourself, your children, and others as God writes a new chapter in your story.Practical tips and encouragement, offering grace for tomorrow.Stay Connected Stay connected for more hope-filled encouragement by subscribing to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast and visiting PerspectiveMinistries.org or following Perspective Ministries on social media.