Raising Fatherless Kids

Many boys and young men carry an unspoken question in their hearts: Do I have what it takes? As mothers, we often express love well, but we may not realize how deeply our sons need to know that we believe in them. In this episode, we explore the powerful role a mother's words play in shaping her son's identity, confidence, resilience, and understanding of his God-given purpose. Whether you...

What happens when the future you planned disappears in a single moment? In this powerful episode, Ginger Ravella shares the heartbreaking story of losing her husband, Air Force fighter pilot Troy Gilbert, during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Left to raise five children under the age of eight—including six-month-old twin daughters—Ginger found herself facing overwhelming grief, unanswered questions, and...

Father’s Day may be behind us, but many mothers are still carrying fears about the future of their children. Will the painful patterns of the past repeat themselves? Are children with absent fathers destined to follow the same destructive paths? In this episode, we look to Ezekiel 18 and discover the powerful truth that even though generational sin patterns may be real, they are not binding chains...

As Father’s Day approaches, this episode offers encouragement for mothers raising children without an earthly dad. It speaks to the tension children often feel between the absence of dad and the presence of God as Father. Moms are reminded that acknowledging grief is important, but so is gently redirecting children toward the truth of God’s faithful presence. Through practical encouragement, perso...

On this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , Lori welcomes Mark Vroegop, president of The Gospel Coalition and author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy, and Waiting Isn’t a Waste . Together, they have a meaningful conversation about grief, suffering, and the biblical practice of lament. After walking through the heartbreaking loss of a stillborn daughter, Mark began to study what Scripture teaches about...

In this honest conversation, Lori welcomes pastor, husband, father, and Absent Dad, Present Father contributor Kyle Ogle to share his powerful testimony of growing up without a father and the lasting impact of rejection. Kyle opens up about meeting his biological father as a young teen, only to later experience heartbreaking abandonment that shaped many of his struggles with insecurity, identity,...

 Summer can feel overwhelming, especially when you are carrying the full weight of parenting alone. In this episode, we talk about how to move from simply surviving the summer to intentionally savoring it. With changing routines, increased demands, and the emotions that can surface in this season, preparation and perspective matter. This conversation offers encouragement to create a peaceful rhyth...

What can we learn from the mothers throughout Scripture who trusted God in difficult seasons? How does the faith of a mother shape the lives of her children, even in circumstances filled with uncertainty, grief, or hardship? In this episode, we walk through the stories of mothers in the Bible and explore the lasting impact of their faith, prayers, and perseverance. From Hannah’s heartfelt prayers...

What does it look like to ask for help when you’re carrying the weight of parenting alone? How do we trust God to provide when our needs feel overwhelming, and our resources feel small? In this episode, we walk through the story of the widow and the jars in 2 Kings 4 and explore what it means to cry out for help in seasons of need. Through both Scripture and personal stories, we see how God meets...

What does it look like for a young girl to grow up without her dad and still come to know God as her Father? How do we help our children process loss, walk through milestones, and trust God when life unfolds in ways we would never choose? In this episode, Emaline Montgomery shares her story of losing her dad at a young age and how God faithfully cared for her in the years that followed. Through co...

In this special episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , we recap our fifth annual Daughters of the King event, “Held with Hope.” Moms and daughters were reminded that even in grief and the unexpected, God is present, forming something beautiful through it all, like a pearl shaped by pressure over time. You’ll hear powerful testimonies from Adeline Galo and Whitney Van Matre, who share how God met the...

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 o...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

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 G...

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 Takeawa...

Greatest Fear Becomes Reality Fear 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 nothin...

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 Takeaways Be aware of th...

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 h...

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 br...

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 Chris...