Dr. Merry Lin
Dr. Merry Lin
Dr. Merry Lin is a registered clinical psychologist with over 25-years of experience in counselling individuals, couples and families. She specializes in helping people overcome depression, anxiety and fear, abuse and trauma, stress, grief, marital and relationship struggles, parenting and family issues, and other life stressors. Her passion is to help people of all ages discover their full potential and to realize their purpose and joy in life.
In episode 008 of The Change Makers Podcast, Ellen and Dr. Merry Lin talk about grief while leading, success vs. insecurity and the tendency to build a wall around our hearts.
Listen and access the show notes here or search for The Change Maker’s Podcast on your favorite listening app (for free).
3 Insights From Dr. Merry
1. Dear Christian leaders: It’s impossible to outperform and out give God.
Leaders are subjected to high-expectations. Christian leaders are subjected to God’s expectations. As a result, pressure is applied on all fronts – we try to gain affirmation from our friends, colleagues, the people we serve, and the one we serve. Dr. Merry came to realize that it’s unrealistic to constantly be in this state of thinking – and quite frankly, unhealthy. We need to bring to death the part of us that relentlessly strives and just rest in the fact that God gives us peace and He loves us how we are.
2. There’s a fine line between narcissism and holding back.
When you’re called into a position of influence, it can be hard to separate the shadow part of yourself that loves the applause. However, fear of our own pride and sinful nature can hold us back. Dr. Merry said it best, “When you make yourself less, when you’re diminishing yourself, you’re diminishing God in you.” If we hide and make ourselves less, we are not stewarding our influence well. Don’t hold back – but stop if you think you are crossing the line.
3. Be faithful in the little step in front of you.
Being visionary is one of the modern paradigms of leadership. Leaders are pressured to be thinking 5, 10, even 20-years down the road. If that’s you, here’s some simple advice from Dr. Merry, “Stop thinking so much about where the Lord is taking us down the road. Instead, be faithful in the little steps.” Whether it’s a Bible study or moms’ group at work, we need to operate as the best versions of our current self. The little steps are important because they build character and prepare us for future endeavours.Intrigued? Check out Dr. Merry Lin’s conversation with Ellen.