I may not be perfect but He says otherwise

This is me, Dr. Dawn Linn, D.O. This photo is not glamorous and it’s certainly not PhotoShop-ped. It’s me at my core and it makes me smile; and even more so, makes me grateful. I may not be perfect but He says otherwise.

My patients know that I’m a silver lining person. I see the beauty in people where they may see none. I make it a point to find the positive where others can only see the negative. I see God’s designs and am inspired and awed, and why I believe that I have been given the great honor and gift to be a physician who can not only heal but can also inspire others to see what He sees.

Here is what I see when I look at this photo:

• I AM BEAUTIFUL. Yes, I am not perfect. I have cellulite and carry a few extra pounds. I have handlebars and bird flaps, too! BUT, my mirror doesn’t define me. I choose to allow God to define my beauty. I am HIS and He calls me beautiful, without flaws. (Song of Songs 4:7)

• I AM STRONG. I just completed a half-marathon! It’s not my first but it is my first in 8 years! My body has carried two babies and completed multiple shorter races. I have undergone 5 abdominal surgeries with scars and residual side effects but it still moves forward. I am doing my best to give my body the tools it needs to keep going, to help it stay strong, and look at what it can accomplish! I did not run the entire race and actually walked more than ran, but I chose to celebrate the finish line because God started the work in me and He has given me the strength to get there! (Phil 1: 6; Ps 18:32)
  

• I AM WORTH IT. Can I make a confession? I usually don’t like anything more than 10 miles. Around mile 11 I start regretting my decision and promising to, “NEVER do this again!”. Then, I remember that pushing myself to do more and be more is important because I am worthwhile and God desires to see me through. No matter what I do, as long as I am carrying myself toward His goals, I am doing worthy work. He has goals for me still. I don’t know what they are. I just have to trust in Him, he already knows the way. (Prov 16:9) 💓

So, I will keep on training. I will continue to set goals in all areas of my life. I will be the physician He created me to be and help others to see the beauty and strength within themselves. For these reasons and many more you will always hear me say to my patients at Impressions,