Raising Fatherless Kids

In this heartfelt episode, Lori Apon welcomes her son, Evan, to share what it was like to grow up without a dad and how God became his Father. Together, they encourage moms raising sons to move from a victim mentality to a victorious mindset rooted in truth. You will be reminded that even when Dad is absent, God is present and powerful to redeem your child’s story.Key TakeawaysBeliefs shape behaviorA victim mentality begins with false beliefs like “I can’t overcome.” Moms can help their sons replace those lies with truth from God’s Word, which leads to hope and confidence.God is the true FatherEven without an earthly dad, sons can find identity, strength, and direction in their heavenly Father, who promises to be faithful.Moms are powerful influencers Your example of faith, gratitude, and perseverance speaks louder than words. When you live in victory, your children learn to do the same.From pain to purpose God can turn every hard place into a platform for His glory. Encourage your children to trust His plan and walk forward in hope.Stay ConnectedFor more encouragement and resources for single and widowed moms, visit PerspectiveMinistries.org. You can also follow Perspective Ministries on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for weekly inspiration, podcast updates, and stories of hope.

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 TakeawaysGod will be faithful.When in transition, God is at work.Expect God to father your children.Expect to grow as a warrior and a woman of prayer.Expect hope to rise.Scriptures MentionedPsalm 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 HighlightsLori 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 MomsYou 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.

In this heartfelt episode, Lori welcomes back Chris Britt, who previously shared his story of growing up with three dads—but discovering the steadfast love of one perfect Father. Today, Chris returns to share how memorizing Scripture transformed his life, reshaped his purpose, and became the foundation for leading his family of four boys.From leaving behind a promising acting career in Los Angeles to portraying Jesus in the Atlanta Passion Play, Chris testifies to how God redeems our gifts for His glory. His story reminds single and widowed moms that God’s Word truly is life-giving—sharpening our faith, replacing fear with truth, and strengthening our hearts for every season of parenting.1. God redeems every chapter of our story2. Scripture transforms the heart and mind3. Admitting our weakness and trusting God for His strength is important to remember4. Learning to replace lies with God’s eternal truthWatch Chris Britt’s dramatic presentation of The Gospel of Matthew: www.tgom.infoPrevious episode 183: Finding Hope When Earthly Fathers Fail: Truth Moms Can Trust — Chris Britt’s testimony of finding God as his FatherEncouragement for MomsGod’s Word is not just for the mind—it is an anchor for the heart and a foundation for your home. When you hide Scripture in your heart and the heart of your children, you are equipping your family to stand strong in truth and hope.Key Takeaways Resources Mentioned For more information and helpful resources, check our website, PerspectiveMinistries.org, and follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.

Whether you are a widowed mom considering a visit to the grave of your child’s dad or a divorced single mom helping your children process the absence of their father, this decision is one of the most tender parts of parenting after loss. In this heartfelt and biblically grounded episode, Lori offers practical wisdom and spiritual guidance to help you discern what is best for your family. Together, you will learn how to prepare your children emotionally, approach the experience if you choose to go, and anchor their hearts in God’s unshakable truth about life, death, and eternity.Practical tips for deciding to visit the grave and what to consider if you choose to go to the gravesiteImportant biblical teaching on life after deathEncouragement for divorced moms walking their children through absenceSuggested ResourcesSingle Mom Considerations for Fall and on Halloween Podcast Episode 131 with Lori AponWhere’s Daddy? Helping Moms Answer Hard Questions Podcast Episode 169 with Lori AponKey Takeaways:If this conversation spoke to your heart, we invite you to explore more resources designed to support and encourage you on this journey. Visit PerspectiveMinistries.org to find practical tools, biblical encouragement, and a community that understands. You can also follow Perspective Ministries on social media or subscribe to the Raising Fatherless Kids podcast for more hope-filled conversations that will help you and your children walk forward in faith.

Parenting a son without an active father in his life can feel overwhelming, isolating, and heavy — but it is not a journey a mother is meant to walk alone. This episode offers biblical encouragement and practical guidance for single and widowed moms navigating the unique challenges of raising boys on their own. Through honest reflection and actionable wisdom, it explores how to release the pressure of doing everything yourself, trust God’s faithful presence, and intentionally build a circle of support that will shape your son’s future. Loosening your grip is not letting go — it is entrusting your son to the One who loves him most and will be faithful to complete the work He has begun.Invite others in. Look for godly men, mentors, and couples already in your life and intentionally welcome them to speak into your son’s story.Create rhythms of faith. Lead your home spiritually with regular conversations about God’s character, daily prayer, and simple mother-son devotionals.Surrender what you can’t control. Write down fears, plans, or expectations that weigh on you and commit them to God in prayer.Speak life over your son. Remind him often that he is loved and encourage him to watch for God’s activity in his life.Other Resources:The Importance of Mentors and How to AskThe Value of a Mentor Podcast Episode 49 with Guests Evan Apon and Dave InabnitThe Investment of a Mentor Podcast Episode 52 with Guests Brandon Apon and Eric HelmsScripture Encouragement“For with God nothing will be impossible.” — Luke 1:37 “A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy habitation.” — Psalm 68:5The absence of a father changes your family’s story, but it does not define its future. As you release what you cannot control and trust God with the rest, you will watch Him provide in ways you never expected. He is with you. He is for you. And He loves your son more than you ever could.Key TakeawaysFinal EncouragementFor more information and helpful resources, check our website, PerspectiveMinistries.org, and follow us on Instagram @PerspectiveMinistries.