Words have power. The Bible says that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). We must be careful with the words of our mouths. Proverbs 16:23 says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth.” We must be careful with the words of our mouths, especially when it comes to our children in a moment of frustration or anger. Our words must be full of grace, and if they aren’t, we would be wise to retrain our tongues. In this episode, Lori highlights the importance of our words by discussing: How to correct our children with positivity The importance of using affirmation How to give a “word gift” How to create a book of “word gifts” for your child Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Anger is a reality for everyone, and in grief, it's normal and often unavoidable. But as we navigate loss, we have to be careful to manage anger. If we don't learn to manage this intense emotion, it will inevitably get out of control. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say about anger, reminding us that it is dangerous and opens doors to further destruction. In this episode, Lori discusses The reality of anger and how to manage it Talking about anger with our children Scripture on anger Other Resources Ten Tips for Managing Anger in Grief Steps to Take when you are Mad at God How to Show Empathy to Hurting Children with Lisa Peck Tips for Setting up Fatherless Children for Success in School How a Mom can Help her Angry Grieving Daughter with guests Jennifer and Erica Bolding Finding Hope and Joy as a Daughter of the King with guests Jennifer and Erica BoldingWhen Grief Acts Like a Toddler Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
After the loss of dad, the relationship between a mother and daughter is often shaken. But, through the storm of processing grief, their bond can become sweeter and tighter than ever before. Jennifer and Erica Bolding candidly talk about the emotions that came with the loss of their husband and dad. From anger to making the transition of looking to God as Father and the importance of finding their identity in Christ, they explain how to do it while growing closer together not further apart. In this episode, the mother/daughter conversation includes: Encouragement for moms who are overwhelmed Hope for girls who wonder if they will ever be okay A warning against fighting fatherlessness vs treasuring being Fathered by God Other Resources: Part One Daughters of the King highlight video Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
God designed girls to have a daddy. The process of grieving his loss is a long journey. Mothers and daughters left without a husband or father will uniquely navigate the pain, sometimes individually while at other times, together. Children do not have the perspective or maturity to understand the permanence or full impact of death, divorce, or desertion. And moms often don’t understand how to best help their fatherless child, rightly depending on the Holy Spirit to guide them through the valley. In this mother/daughter conversation, we talk about: The impact dad loss has on lives Asking why God allowed suffering and loss to be experienced Processing the emotions of anger (even towards God) and depression that come with grief How a mom can help her angry child Accessing God’s grace and comfort in suffering Other Resources: Steps to Take When You Are Mad At God 10 Tips for Handling Anger in Grief Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
The number one question I get asked is about how to handle loneliness. Even in a room filled with a lot of people, many will say they still feel lonely. And single moms with children in their homes also experience the pain of feeling alone. In Hebrews 13:5, God promises to never leave or forsake us. The danger comes when the normal and uncomfortable emotion of loneliness turns into bitterness. In this episode, Lori shares ideas on how to handle loneliness: Consider loneliness as a gift from the Lord Look at the lonely times as a gift to yourself Give your season of loneliness away by serving others in need Other Resources: How to Handle Loneliness by Lori Apon Works Cited https://www.rd.com/advice/parenting/stop-bullying-strategy/ Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
The biographies of men and women in the Bible who didn't have an earthly father offer great encouragement. The youngest king, Josiah, became fatherless at the young age of eight, and it was at this time that he took the throne. No doubt, his mother and others provided the important spiritual guidance this young man needed to live life and rule the kingdom. Even with a wicked father and grandfather, we are told that “there was no king like Josiah, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his might” (2 Kings 22:35). Today’s episode provides a great opportunity to listen together with your son as a springboard for a conversation on how God worked in Josiah’s life at a young age. You can find the true story of this fatherless boy in 2 Kings 22-23. In this episode, you will learn the following: The power of the Word of God It is never too late for God’s Word to make a difference in a life God sees and responds to humility (2 Chronicles 7:14) God uses young people who obey Him Scripture to discuss with your children: 2 Kings 22-23 Ezekiel 18:14-17 Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
There are many reasons a toddler throws a tantrum, one of which is a visible sign of inward frustration, often associated with losing control or moving into independence. Grief often acts like a toddler. For the widow, she is frustrated with new responsibilities and tasks that she doesn't want to learn. Her community of support often decreases, leaving her feeling more alone than ever before. As she is forced into a season she doesn’t feel ready for, living life without her husband brings a variety of emotions to the surface, including anger. In this episode, Lori discusses the following: Understanding the toddler stage of grief What to expect when you are in the toddler stage The importance of finding a new community The value of a support squad Other Resources: Your Newborn Grief by Lori Apon How to Build a Support System Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Moms are there to provide a nurturing dynamic for their little boys - give them a bath, comb their hair, and put a band-aid on their boo-boos. But when these boys grow up without a dad in the home, the role often shifts, requiring her to stand strong as the winds blow during the transition to manhood. At this time, it is important for a mom to lean into the Lord, her convictions, and help from godly mentors. Many have never walked this road before so grace upon grace is needed for both the mother and the son. Keep the lines of communication open, pray, and trust that God loves you and your son more than you do. He will be faithful. Brandon, Isaac, Evan, and Micah Apon join together offering practical help on the following topics: How should a young man be expected to spend his time? The value of work Raising your boys to be husbands and fathers Exposing boys to biblical manhood The importance of guarding the home against unhealthy influences Other resources: Launching Boys to Men Part Two with Brandon, Isaac, Evan, and Micah Apon The Importance of a Mentor with Brandon Apon and Eric Helms The Value of a Mentor for Fatherless Sons with Evan Apon and Dave Inabnit Accepting Fatherlessness by God’s Grace with Isaac Apon Fatherless Newborns with Micah Apon Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Raising a boy without a man in their life is especially challenging during their high school years as they prepare to launch from the nest. Even with a dad in the home, this season is often filled with an assortment of opportunities for growth, lessons to be learned, and the release of our sons to be the men God called them to be. Since dad is not around, the single mom is required to step up to the plate in a new way playing “hardball” when previously her major role was to nurture. Dad is not there to balance the scales so during this time everything starts to feel off balance. Today, Lori’s sons, Brandon, Isaac, Evan, and Micah, join her and practical help is offered on the following topics: What a mom should expect when ushering her boy into manhood without a dad Handling the battle for control between mother and son Navigating the shift in roles during ages 15-18 Other resources: Our New Father’s Day The Importance of a Mentor with Brandon Apon and Eric Helms The Value of a Mentor for Fatherless Sons with Evan Apon and Dave Inabnit Accepting Fatherlessness by God’s Grace with Isaac Apon Fatherless Newborns with Micah Apon Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
In the early stages of grief, an emotional limbo takes place when you are holding on to the hope that this isn't your story. It's called denial and shock and often keeps you from wanting to move forward. For Bryan Johnson, limbo was an unknown reality in the formative years of his life, believing that his dad was a prisoner of the Vietnam War only to learn later that he died serving our country. God is always at work drawing us to Himself. For Bryan, the Holy Spirit planted the seed that He is a Father to the fatherless. In this episode, Bryan talks about: The season of dealing with the shame of the loss of Dad, the what-ifs, and questioning if he had what it would take to become a man Releasing the weight of anger Freedom that comes with knowing your identity in Christ Bryan Johnson is the Founder and Board Chair of Psalm68five Ministries. This ministry serves the fatherless by providing summer camp scholarships, developing and collecting resources that specifically share God’s heart for the fatherless, and by seeking to encourage other ministries in their work with the fatherless. The ministry was started in 2015 as a Christian 501c3 non-profit. For more information, please contact Bryan at Bryan.Johnson@psalm68five.org or at their website at www.Psalm68five.org. Other Resources: Contact Psalm68five for The Way to the Father Prayer Journal Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Losing one parent is a huge loss, but the death of both parents, leaving a child orphaned, is unimaginable. In this episode, Pat Reynolds shares her story of becoming an orphan when her parents were killed in a large air disaster. In this episode, Pat shares Her story of God’s grace in the midst of tragedy The long pursuit of God Obedience, forgiveness, and releasing bitterness Encouragement for moms raising children without an earthly dad Truth for the fatherless Pat has taught pre-K and kindergarten for 49 years and is one of the founding teachers at Redeemer Day School located at the Church of Apostles in Buckhead, Atlanta. She is quick to say she is the richest woman that she knows and that is not counting the money in her purse. The story of the historic air tragedy can be read here. Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
This is Part 4 of our series Reflections on Motherhood. The role of a mom is often underappreciated but it’s important to know that God is using you even when you don't see it. Fruit will come from the unseen years. God is working in a beautiful way as you walk obediently with Him. Having a community of moms who have gone before us, walk beside us, and will follow behind us is crucial, especially when that community helps us find strength in the promises of God. Conversations like today’s help us see the God, who tenderly cares for us as a mother cares for her child, and makes the seasons that feel impossible, more possible! With my guest Michele Helms, we will discuss: Building a solid foundation of trust and communication during the early years of a child’s life Understanding the unique bent and personality of our children Responding to God’s prompting in parenting Learning from our mistakes and regrets Michele Helms is wife to her husband of 33 years, mother of five, and grandmother to three and counting. She loves being a mom and encouraging moms who are in the trenches. You can follow her on social @the.mama.michele. Other Resources: Reflections on Motherhood with Suzanne Miller The Grace of God in Raising Children with Mary Madeline Whittinghill The Faithfulness of God in the Child-Raising Season with Kreig Teague The Investment of a Mentor with Eric Helms Time Around the Table by Michele Helms Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Raising children has always included blessings, challenges, and lessons to be learned not only by the children but also by the mom. The experience of motherhood provides many opportunities to know God in ways we never knew Him, along with the gift of sanctification making us more like Him. Although, as single moms we parent alone, God is with you. He sees you, Mom. He knows your struggles, challenges, and the uniqueness of your children. He will be faithful to you. Just as you delight in the presence of your children, God delights in you. Kreig Teague is wife to her husband of 53 years, mother of five, and grandmother to 14. She believes the top priority of motherhood is to teach our children to know God and that He is absolutely crazy about them and wants the best for their lives. In this episode, a variety of topics on mothering are discussed, including: The gift of sibling friendships How to show love to children through encouragement The power of believing in our kids Delighting in the presence of our children The answer to depression Other resources: Reflections on Motherhood Part One with Suzanne Miller The Grace of God in Raising Children with Mary Madeline Whittinghill Mother's Helper: A Guide for Desperate Parents by Kreig Teague Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Motherhood takes humility and endurance. And a big measure of grace is required in a season where comparison, stress, exhaustion, and grief want to rob us of the joy of our high calling. But we can rest assured knowing that God carries moms and gently leads those who have young (Isaiah 40:11, NKJV). During the month of May, we are having conversations with moms sharing what they would do differently and what they would do again given the chance. In Part Two Mary Madeline Whittinghill encourages young moms from her experience in raising children. In this episode these helpful topics are discussed: Important lessons to teach your children with practical ideas on how to do this How to equip children for life with a long-term perspective The importance of modeling forgiveness Mary Madeline Whittinghill is wife to her husband of 45 years, mother of five, and grandmother to 21. She loves the Lord and His word. Motherhood is one of her greatest joys and she delights in investing in her grandchildren. Other Resources: Reflections on Motherhood Part One with Suzanne Miller Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we turned to seasoned mothers and grandmothers for their reflections on motherhood. In Part One we are joined by wife, mom, and grandmother, Suzanne Miller." God is not silent about mothering. It is interesting to note that even in the Book of Kings, God would often name the king and also his mother. And King Solomon talks of the value of a mother’s teaching in the book of Proverbs. In this episode, the following will be discussed: The top priorities of motherhood Practical ways to show love to your children Training tools for building a solid foundation in the life of a child Suzanne Miller is wife to her husband of 51 years, mother of 7, and grandmother to 13. She has a passion to pass on what was passed to her, namely a love for God and His Word, encouragement, and teaching it to those in the trenches of motherhood. Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
The first Thursday in May is designated by the United States Congress as a day when all US citizens are asked to turn to God in prayer. Every year the president is required by law to sign a proclamation encouraging all Americans to pray on that day. This focus on prayer for our country is crucial and prompted today’s podcast on the subject of prayer. When death intersects our lives, it is unwanted, often unexpected, and interrupts everything. When this happens, it is important that we do not let grief separate us from talking to God. This is the time when we need Him the most. And it is essential that we pray with and for our children. In this episode, Lori discusses prayer including: Her journey and experience with prayer Prayers of Jesus and prayer in the Bible Reasons to pray Different types of prayer Prayer resources Resources on Prayer: What Happens When Women Pray by Evelyn Christensen Fervent: A Woman's Battle Plan to Serious Specific, and Strategic Prayer by Priscilla Schier, The Power of Praying for Your Adult Children by Stormie Omartian Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy by Mark Vroegop. War Room Prayers for the Fatherless Prayers for the Widow booklet PrayerMate Other Resources: Accepting Fatherlessness by God’s Grace with Isaac Apon The Investment of a Mentor with Brandon Apon and Eric Helms The Value of a Mentor for Fatherless Sons with Evan Apon and Dave Inabnit Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
The process of growth from a fatherless little boy into manhood includes growth spurts, maturity, emotions, and time. Mentors, a biblical perspective, and the grace of God also impact the depth of healing. Isaac Apon lost his dad by suicide at the age of five. He understands the pain and found peace when He placed his trust in God and looked to Him as Father. In this episode, Isaac Apon discusses the following: Hope for those experiencing childhood father loss Bullying Mentors as God’s vessel for fathering - learning manhood from an earthly dad even when he is not your own Encouragement for moms raising kids with childhood dad loss Challenge for fatherless boys Additional Resources: The Importance of a Mentor Part One The Value of a Mentor Part Two The Investment of a Mentor The Importance of Mentors and How to Ask Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
Eating disorders are rampant today. The common age of struggling children is ages 13-15. There are many factors opening the door for this type of bondage, including social media, peer influence, loss of a parent, and the fear of losing control. Mothers raising fatherless children must be aware of the temptation to fill the void in a variety of ways including an unhealthy relationship with food. In today’s episode, Dr. Bowden discusses the following: How to recognize the signs of a child struggling with an eating disorder Conversations you must have with your children How a mom can be proactive in helping her child Encouragement for one who is battling disordered eating Michelle Bowden is a follower of Jesus, a pastor’s wife, and a mom of two who works as an Associate Professor of Pediatrics at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and as a pediatrician in Adolescent Clinics at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN. There, she leads a multidisciplinary eating disorder clinic to evaluate and treat teenagers with eating disorders including Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia nervosa, Binge Eating Disorder, and Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Additional Resources: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/ https://www.feast-ed.org/ Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.
This is such a special episode because it's the first birthday of the Help! I’m Raising Fatherless Kids podcast! Moms, thank you for taking the time to listen when you have so much demanding your attention. One of the most important celebrations that I had with my children was the “Blessing Party” at the beginning of their teenage season. This is a time to guide your child in putting away childish things and transitioning them to adulthood. In this episode, Lori discusses the following: What is a “Blessing Party” The specific steps in planning one What to include in a letter of blessing Other resources: The Blessing by John Trent, Gary Smalley, and Kari Trent Stageberg The letter of blessing that was written and then spoken over my child at the Blessing Party included some of the following: A scripture verse God has used in a great way in their life A brief personal testimony of how God walked them through the teenage season and how that could encourage them A challenge, encouragement, or counsel A promise of God A special memory I shared with my child Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries or email lori@perspectiveministries.org
As a mom, one of the greatest responsibilities and joys is telling her children the story of Jesus and the good news of the Gospel. In today’s episode, Lori talks about Easter including: The history and the familiar symbols and traditions of Easter Practical ideas for celebrating the true meaning of Easter with children The hope of Easter and how to invite Jesus Christ into your life Other resources: Advent: Count Down to the Coming of Christ Resurrection Eggs Easter Music Easter Song The Old Rugged Cross At the Cross Christ the Lord is Risen Today He Lives Because He Lives Crown Him with Many Crowns It is Finished Arise My Love Scripture 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 Hebrews 9:12 John 3:16 Matthew 28:1-6 Romans 3:23 Romans 6:23 1 John 1:9 Romans 10:9 Romans 10:13 If you prayed with me the prayer of salvation, or have a prayer request, please email lori@perspectiveministries.org to share the good news! Mom, you are not alone! Join our private Facebook group for more encouragement and community: https://bit.ly/widowmom For more information and helpful resources, check our website: PerspectiveMinistries.org & follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.