194. Saudade, Leadership, and Nurturing the Inner Life, with Jeff Crosby, author of The Language of the Soul

Spiritual Life and Leadership

Jeff Crosby is President and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian pulishers, and the author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts.
In this episode, I’m speaking with Jeff Crosby about our longings. We discuss a Portuguese word—saudade—which, according to Jeff, is an untranslatable word that refers to a kind of deep, inner longing that every human feels.

As leaders, it’s so important to recognize our longings. And it’s even more important to meet God in the midst of our longings.

THIS EPISODES HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Jeff Crosby is President and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian pulishers, and the author of The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts.
• Jeff Crosby discusses the concept of saudade as a deep inner longing and its resonance with spiritual longing and leadership.
• The episode delves into how individuals can recognize signals of disintegration in their lives and the need to center themselves, seeking support from spiritual friends, counselors, or spiritual directors.
• Jeff Crosby and Markus Watson discuss the different dimensions of saudade, involving personal relationships, meaningful work, and a sense of belonging, peace, and safety.
• The structure of the book, focusing on internal, external, and eternal longings, is highlighted, emphasizing the universal nature of yearning in leadership and personal development.
• Jeff discusses the value of saudade and the inner journey of affirming it and finding God's presence, especially in times of loss and change.
• In the context of a changing world and ministry, Jeff Crosby address the impact of loss and the way it affects individuals and their leadership roles.
• Jeff Crosby's book, The Language of the Soul, should be read slowly, allowing it to have a deep impact on the soul.
• Jeff and Markus discuss the potential negative effects of pushing down desires in leadership.
• Jeff Crosby’s book is meant to tap into readers' own saudade and prompt reflection on their desires, inspired by the notion that spirituality revolves around handling the pain and hope brought by yearning.
• Jeff Crosby and Markus Watson emphasize the crucial role of of an undivided life in leadership.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Jeff Crosby:
  • Evangelical Christian Publishers Association
• Books mentioned:
  • The Language of the Soul, by Jeff Crosby
  • Hinge Moments, by D. Michael Lindsay
• Related Episodes:
  • Episode 96: Crossing Leadership Thresholds, with Jeff Crosby
  • Episode 142: Navigating the 7 Stages of Transition, with D. Michael Lindsay

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