Ben Tapper has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Manchester University, a master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary. He serves as the faith formation coordinator for First Mennonite Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is actively involved in community engagement. 

Here are five things worth paying attention to this month. I recommend selecting one or two and jumping in over the next week.

1. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is just around the corner, and if you’d like to better understand the dream he envisioned, I recommend reading Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare. You’ll understand Martin better by getting to know Malcolm as well.

2. While the decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem has garnished headlines, lesser known perspectives are often ignored. This reporting by Al Jazeera points to the stories we’re too often ignorant about.

3. The holidays are difficult for those that have lost loved ones. I hope this song by Lecrae (ft. Tori Kelly) offers some comfort if you’re experiencing grief today.

4. It can be difficult to pinpoint the reason so many men sexually harass their female subordinates or colleagues, but this article helps hone in on some of the motivations.

5. Let’s be a little more thoughtful with the gifts this year. Let this video serves as a cautionary tale.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpeoW2mvwp4