When a Father Cries!

Navigating Divorce and Child Custody with God by Your Side

Christian - Non-Fiction
119 Pages
Reviewed on 06/02/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite

When a Father Cries! by Lance Dickson is an emotional and spiritually reflective book that explores the author’s personal experience navigating divorce and parenting-time difficulties. With updated resources and additional insights, Dickson revisits the painful yet transformative journey he started fifteen years ago, seeking to remain present in the lives of his two daughters. Through his personal narrative, he addresses critical topics such as overcoming bitterness before it festers into resentment, redefining fairness, embracing Christ as a savior, and understanding the power of forgiveness. His testimony aims to provide solace and guidance to men facing similar struggles, encouraging them to lean on faith rather than fall into despair. The author's words remind readers of the importance of placing problems in the right hands; those of God.

Lance Dickson's story is authentic and sincere. Dickson does not shy away from addressing the pain that lingers beyond divorce and custody battles. He acknowledges the potential strategies Satan may use to unsettle Christians while simultaneously offering advice on how to overcome these obstacles. While Dickson is not a religious leader, he seamlessly integrates scripture into his narrative, offering wisdom rooted in biblical teachings. His perspective on dispute resolution and the realities of court proceedings sheds light on the challenges fathers endure, urging readers to seek strength through faith and preparation. One of the aspects of the book is its balanced portrayal of both sides of the story, including his wife’s perspective. This approach allows readers to reflect on their own circumstances with greater clarity and empathy. Whether for a father searching for strength or a person seeking a deeper understanding of faith through hardship, When a Father Cries! presents valuable lessons and encouragement for individuals in need of guidance.

Asher Syed

In When a Father Cries! Navigating Divorce and Child Custody with God by Your Side, Lance Dickson details his experience of navigating a contentious custody battle following his divorce. He describes how an initial agreement with his ex-spouse was later disregarded, resulting in legal disputes and emotional hardship. The court often ruled against him despite supporting documentation, leading to personal and spiritual reflection. Dickson recounts accusations made against him, the legal tactics used, and the impact of bitterness on his family relationships. He examines broader issues of injustice, such as systemic bias and social inequity, and outlines six principles for navigating unfairness. Drawing on Christian teachings, he stresses personal responsibility, faith in God, and the necessity of forgiveness. Dickson advocates preparation tempered by trust in God and emphasizes discerning truth through scripture.

When a Father Cries! presents a unique and candid account of Lance Dickson’s experience in a custody dispute while grounding himself in his Christian faith. His openness about the toll of family separation and court proceedings offers rare transparency that must have been hard to share. Throughout, he uses scripture to frame his perspective, drawing on verses like Romans 8:28 and 1 Corinthians 10:13 to emphasize reliance on God rather than people or systems. The sections focused on forgiveness, spiritual preparation, and trusting God in uncertainty are particularly structured and supported. While Dickson admits he is not a professional writer and some of the sections feel scattered and a bit like a vent, his sincerity is clear. The mix of courtroom experience, biblical application, and direct advice makes this a unique and purpose-driven contribution to the Christian divorce self-help genre.

Stewart Brian

When a Father Cries! by Lance Dickson is an emotional, well-written book that provides counsel and admonition to men based on Lance's experiences. Lance wrote about his painful experiences, beginning with the separation from his wife after six years and 11 months of marriage. He described vividly the court proceedings for custody of his two little girls. While he tried not to be defensive in his book, Lance shared his perspective on issues concerning fairness in our world, the problems and challenges that come with life, stepping out of yourself, depending on God rather than the church or pastor, the power of Satan over us when we don't seek the help of God, and more. Lance also highlighted the lessons he learned from these experiences that God allowed.

I get so inspired when I read about people who use their life experiences to encourage and teach others through writing. Lance is a powerful, talented, and intelligent writer. I say so because of the meticulous details incorporated into his book so that readers like me don't get confused or misunderstand his point. Lance's writing had a natural pace, and every chapter was well-connected. Also, his writing is easy to comprehend due to its brilliant organization. I loved the Bible passages and Lance's perspective on them. This is a book to which I will continue to refer because of the valuable lessons and principles shared. I am truly inspired by Lance's story and his growth over the years. I would recommend When a Father Cries! Navigating Divorce and Child Custody with God by Your Side by Lance Dickson to every adult male and all fathers.

Joe Wisinski

Lance Dickson wrote When a Father Cries! to help men during some of the worst times of their lives. Specifically, but not exclusively, it’s for fathers who are involved in custody fights over their children. Some chapter titles are Forgiveness—A Painful Necessity, Prepare For The Worst, and The Decision Is Yours and It’s Not Easy. Each chapter ends with “Author’s Insight,” which is a summary of the author’s personal feelings about the topic of that chapter. It’s not only for men; the author says his book will provide insight for women into men’s thinking. The updated edition has additional insights and ends with resources for men. Although the author says he received much comfort and wisdom from his Christian faith, his book is not only for Christians.

Although it must have been painful for Lance Dickson to write When a Father Cries!, this is a valuable tool for men, especially if they’re in a custody battle. It should be read by everyone in similar circumstances. They’ll learn several lessons, including that they are not alone, how to respond to the inevitable unfairness of the court systems, and much more. But this book is beneficial not only for those who are in danger of losing their children to their spouse; it’s also for anyone who needs some good advice about life. One of the most helpful aspects is the author admitting that he made mistakes; this book will help others avoid those mistakes. I found that the six principles or rules that we should follow when we’re in an unfair situation to be especially insightful and useful. I recommend this well-thought-out book to all readers.

Doreen Chombu

When a Father Cries! by Lance Dickson is a heartfelt book that explores the emotional and spiritual struggles fathers face during divorce and child custody disputes. The author shares his personal experiences dealing with an unwanted divorce and the anger and pain of being separated from his children. He discusses the court system, which aims to resolve conflicts and not fight for justice for one side. Dickson reflects on the help he received from a fathers' support group and his church. The book offers tips and principles on how to stand against injustice and covers vital topics such as forgiveness, fairness, humility, and healing. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God rather than relying on fellow humans. He encourages anyone going through tough times to be grateful for those who offer support and reminds fathers that true strength comes from faith and dependence on God's grace.

When a Father Cries! is a thoughtful and eye-opening read that highlights the struggles fathers face in the aftermath of divorce. Often, society portrays fathers as villains in these situations, but Lance Dickson seeks to reveal the truth. He candidly shares his mistakes and includes his ex-wife's perspective, emphasizing our shared humanity and the need for empathy and understanding. The book is written in a raw, deeply personal tone, inviting readers to look beyond societal prejudices and recognize the complex emotions involved in post-divorce family dynamics. The author shares his faith while addressing painful truths that many overlook and deem controversial. One important takeaway is the realization that children are highly perceptive and sensitive to their parents' emotional states during disputes. This awareness can significantly influence their feelings and behaviors. Recognizing this can inspire parents to manage their emotions more thoughtfully during conflicts, fostering a healthier environment for children to learn emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills. Overall, this is an informative and emotionally resonant read that will help many fathers navigate the complexities of post-divorce realities.