In this special episode marking the beginning of Raising Fatherless Kids on YouTube, host Lori Apon takes us back to where it all began—the story behind the podcast and Perspective Ministries. Lori shares her personal journey from wife to widow, mothering eight young children after tragedy, and the hope she found in God’s promise from Psalm 68:5: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows.”

Whether you’re a single mom, a widow, or raising children who’ve lost or been abandoned by their dad, this episode offers biblical encouragement, honest reflection, and a list of 25 things to expect when raising children with God as Father.

Key Takeaways

1. God will be faithful.

2. When in transition, God is at work.

3. Expect God to father your children.

4. Expect to grow as a warrior and a woman of prayer.

5. Expect hope to rise.

   
   

   Scriptures Mentioned

• Psalm 68:5 – God is a Father to the fatherless and Defender of the widow.

• Psalm 18:34 –36 – He trains our hands for battle and strengthens us.

• Isaiah 40:11 – He gently leads those with young.

• Hebrews 11:1 – Faith is the assurance of things hoped for.

• Matthew 11:30 , Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 40:31 , Ephesians 6, James 1 – Encouragement for weary hearts.

  
  

Episode Highlights

• Lori recounts the night God’s Word in Psalm 68:5 became her family’s anchor.

• How Perspective Ministries began with one widow’s obedience to trust God through pain.

• The pivotal—not darkest—day that changed everything.

• 25 lessons learned from raising eight children without an earthly dad.

• Encouragement for moms to expect God’s presence, provision, and promises to hold true.
  

Encouragement for Moms

You are not alone. God is with you, and He will father your children. You are a visual aid to the world of His glory. He is using your story and your children’s lives to display His faithfulness and love.

For more hope-filled resources, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org or follow @PerspectiveMinistries on Instagram and Facebook.