Raising Fatherless Kids

In this episode of Raising Fatherless Kids , Lori Apon welcomes Pastor Josh Weidmann to discuss the challenging and prevalent topic of depression. Drawing from his personal experiences and biblical insights, Pastor Josh offers practical tools and hope for navigating depression, reminding listeners of God's unfailing love and strength. Key Takeaways: The Link Between Anxiety and Depression: Pa...

Host: Lori Apon Episode Summary: In this special New Year’s episode, Lori Apon reflects on the transition into 2025 with encouragement and hope for single moms navigating fatherless parenting. She discusses the importance of releasing past regrets, treasuring God’s faithfulness, and living expectantly for the blessings and surprises God has in store. Drawing inspiration from Mary, the mother of Je...

We are all desperately longing for peace. You may be in a season of suffering but able to proclaim that you are experiencing a  peace that surpasses understanding , or you may be crying out for peace amidst the turmoil. No matter where you find yourself today, you have access to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.  The prophet Isaiah gives four titles for Jesus, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is...

Each advent season calls us to ponder the promise of Isaiah 9:6, “For a child will be born to us. A son will be given, and the government will rest on his shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of peace.” Scripture uses many names to describe the members of the Trinity, but these names were given in anticipation of Jesus Christ, our Messiah, th...

There are over 100 names for God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. Each name describes His character and gives believers encouragement. When we think of the names of God at Christmas, four titles for the Messiah from Isaian 9:6 give us hope: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.  At some point in all our lives we will need counsel, leading us to...

Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. He became Immanuel, God with us. Jesus came to die for our sins—He was born to die. This episode will discuss two questions: Why did Jesus come to die, and why did He need to die? This episode answers those questions by discussing the following: The Eternal Nature of Jesus: Jesus existed before Christmas.  The Purpose of Christmas:   Th...

Thanksgiving can be challenging, especially when you are hurting. In the early stages of loss, it can be difficult to embrace the positive growth that grief will eventually bring. Even though it is hard, finding one small thing to be thankful for is important. In this episode, Lori talks about navigating the pain and expectations of others on her first Thanksgiving, along with: The impact of grief...

Children’s Grief Awareness Day is a time to turn our hearts to children impacted by the pain of grief and loss in their childhood. Lori Apon speaks with Halli Gravely, a student at Liberty University, who shares her journey of grief, God's faithfulness, and finding healing after losing her father.  This episode offers hope to moms raising fatherless daughters and anyone dealing with loss. Epi...

Christmas can be a wonderful time, providing opportunities for single and widowed moms to evaluate their family traditions. In this episode, how to balance the secular and sacred aspects of Christmas is discussed. Lori shares her personal convictions and experiences, encouraging listeners to thoughtfully consider how they might shape their own holiday traditions in light of faith and family values...

On November 10, many will celebrate “Pure Religion Sunday.” This day is dedicated to living out the biblical call found in James 1:27 to visit the fatherless and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. Lori reminds us that “pure religion” invites everyone to participate in the practical expression of God’s love. In this episode, Lori dives into 1 Timothy Chapter 5, a...

Anxiety among adolescents is prevalent today. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 38% of girls and 26% of boys aged 13 to 17 experience some form of anxiety disorder. Our guest today, Pastor Josh Weidmann, author of the book The End of Anxiety , focuses on how anxiety can lead us to greater trust in God and ultimately glorify Him, which is the end purpose of our str...

In this enlightening session from our recent Mom and Man event, Daniel Clubb from Advance Camp delivers a powerful message about the spiritual influence of mothers. He reflects on the character of Timothy, a young man shaped by the faith and love of his mother and grandmother, as highlighted in Paul’s letters to Timothy in the Bible. Key Takeaways: Five ways moms can influence their sons Instill a...

As a single or widow mom, your understanding of the emotional changes your son will experience is crucial. Recognizing these shifts is the first step in guiding him through his development. Encouraging open communication, recognizing his individuality, and teaching biblical leadership principles can significantly impact his growth and resilience. In this episode, the emotional landscape of fatherl...

When a boy transitions into a man, a variety of changes occur. It is important to celebrate these while fostering an environment of open communication. For single and widow moms, understanding these physical changes and how to help is important. In this episode, Chris and Diane Tuttle share heartfelt insights at the Mom and Man event from their experiences as parents, encouraging moms to embrace t...

Losing a father at a young age is a life-altering event beyond our control, but how we respond to that loss is within our power—and it's this response that ultimately shapes the course of our lives. Our guest today, Millie White, became fatherless at the age of ten. She determined to take “the high road” rather than wallow in self-pity. She came to faith in Christ at the age of 15 when she re...

When we think of fall, many things come to mind: the colorful leaves, the cooler temperatures, fire pits, comfort foods, hay rides, the pumpkin patch and apple farms, and Halloween. For single and widow moms, the change of seasons brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. We can find beauty and restoration in letting go while watching God make all things new.  In the episode, Lori discus...

Coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide is incredibly difficult. Many feel pressured to keep this cause of death a secret, finding it hard and even shameful to discuss.  When a parent dies by suicide, children face not only the pain of losing a loved one but also the deep feelings of abandonment and the sorrow that comes from knowing their parent chose to leave. Processing grief from suicid...

Grieving the death of a parent will take time. When this loss comes by suicide, there are extra layers of grief to be worked through.  God has a beautiful plan for your life and for your family, even when you have experienced loss by suicide. When you put your trust in God, He is able to restore your soul.  In this episode, Lori discusses Complicated grief The sovereignty of God in suicide The imp...

One in twelve teenagers in the United States loses a parent or a sibling, and most don't want to talk about what they're going through.  Today’s guests, Fiona and Clarissa Moll discuss their book Hurt Help Hope, a valuable resource that offers teens a space to ask honest questions and find gospel-centered answers to navigate their grief. In this episode, they talk about: Grief as a compa...

When a teenager loses their earthly father, they mourn not only his absence but also the life they once knew and the dreams they had for the future. Unlike children, teens navigate grief in their own unique and complex way. Today’s guests, Fiona and Clarissa Moll talk candidly about losing their dad and husband suddenly in a hiking accident and what it was like to navigate this with a family of fi...

When we think about the Proverbs 31 woman, for most of us, a list of standards we will never achieve in our own strength comes to mind. This “excellent” woman who sews, takes a ship to gather food, rises early, and stays up late describes someone we cannot relate to. We wonder, what is her secret to the smile on her face in anticipation of the future? Although Proverbs 31 outlines admirable qualit...

Fear is something that everyone can relate to. When God called someone to a task requiring faith, He would often offer the admonition, "Do not fear." We all struggle with fear at some point, whether based on real or imagined concerns. For example, when a child loses a parent, the enemy instills a deep fear within their hearts. They often worry that something else terrible might happen -...

Our children don’t come with an instruction manual. Navigating the different seasons of their development requires wisdom. We can gain that wisdom by gleaning from the Word of God and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide us.  When a child loses a parent, guiding them in their grief and suffering adds a new layer of care in such uncharted territory. In this episode, Lori discusses 5 things a single mo...

Raising foster and/or adopted children is a special calling with unique circumstances to navigate. Today’s guest, Matt Lawson, was given up for adoption soon after Roe vs. Wade was legalized. His adoptive parents brought Matt home from the hospital - a long-awaited answer to prayers for a child. Never knowing his birth parents, Matt considered his adopted mom and dad his parents. His story is a pi...

When your dad, the one who should be your protector, becomes your perpetrator, many layers are added to grief. Forgiveness is messy but necessary for freedom from ongoing destruction. And forgiveness is a choice. Understanding the Gospel and the forgiveness offered to each one of us is the model we must follow. In part two of Whitney’s story, she poignantly discusses:  Acknowledging the depth an o...