Surrendered Showgirl: One Life Divinely Rescued and Powerfully Transformed from Stripper to Saint

By Dana McCartney Candillo

A Riveting and Powerful Memoir of the transformation and metamorphosis of a young girl living the "glamourous life" of a model and a stripper, whose life de-railed and de-escalated to a rapid halt! It is the story of a Divine Appointment and a Divine Rescue from the Sex Industry. Walking in True Freedom, only found in God, she returned

• Language: English
• Publisher: Purpose Publishing
• Release date: Sep 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9780990301066

Book preview

Surrendered Showgirl

One Life Divinely Rescued & Powerfully Transformed

from Stripper to Saint

Dana McCartney Candillo, BSN, RN

Published by Purpose Publishing

1503 Main Street #168 ᴥ Grandview, Missouri

www.purposepublishing.com

ISBN: 978-0-9903010-4-2

Copyright © 2014, Dana McCartney Candillo

Cover design by: Thaddeus Jordan

Cover Photos by: Karen Hacker, The Portrait Gallery

Editing by: Rae Lewis

Printed in the United States of America

This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other without the prior permission of the publisher.

This book is available at quantity discounts for bulk

purchases. Inquiries may be addressed to the publisher.

www.DanaCandillo.com

Scripture used in this book are noted

from the KJV, NKJV, NLT, HCSB, MSG and AMP versions of the Bible

In Surrendered Showgirl….from Stripper to Saint, I felt the heartbreak of a little girl who just wanted to be unconditionally loved. Dana uses the deep hurts from her past to tell the story of restoration through a redeeming God. This book will touch your heart and remind you that you can never go so far that God's love can't find you.

Annette Westlake

First Lady, Sheffield Family Life Center Kansas City, MO

I met Dana and her LBQ Team at a Christian women's conference and it was an absolute God union. I'm a retired law enforcement officer with 28 years of service. I've had the honor of providing security for Dana and the LBQ Team. I love Dana's heart for women, her boldness and passion to see them live out their God-defined destinies. She is a true survivor and has turned her tragedies into a marvelous testimony. She is caring, generous, wise and just lovely to be around. Her passion to help women is contagious and she is my inspiration! I now serve at the LA Dream Center's Project Hope which helps women in human trafficking and sex slave industries. Dana has taught me so much and has been a wonderful support for me during this challenging endeavor. I know her book will help many people, both women and men, and empower them to be set free and to learn their true identities as precious children of God.

Denise Dailey, Retired Detective

San Diego Police Department

I remember our many talks over lunch concerning your coming out with the truth of where you have been and better yet where God has brought you from. You have a testimony, a call, a divine appointment to carry the good news of the Gospel into spiritually dark places. The message you share could not be more timely as we see our culture shifting into an idea that beautiful young ladies (and young men) are mere commodities that can be bought, sold, used and discarded. Thank you for having the courage to trust God with the story He was writing all along. I pray this book will fall into the hands of the many broken young people and through your story they will find hope in the miraculous saving power of Jesus Christ.

With much love, Kathy Taylor, Lead Pastor’s Wife

Gospel Center Ministries Kansas City, MO

There is nothing more powerful than a testimony of redemption and transformation. Dana has allowed God to restore beauty from ashes as she bravely opens up her life to each of us and shows a beautiful example of pure vulnerably, strength and being an overcomer. You will not be the same after you read this.

Polly Wright , Founder/Executive Director of We Are Cherished

Author of Cherished: Shattered Innocence. Restored Hope.

I strongly recommend, Surrendered Showgirl….from Stripper to Saint," by Dana McCartney Candillo. It is an absorbing journey that will have you crying and rejoicing as you read about Dana's life from a drug/alcohol surrounded childhood with abuse, through the difficult years of teen and young adulthood with alcohol and dancing in strip clubs, to becoming a new person in Jesus Christ, and being given a great commission by God.

It is a powerful story of God's redeeming grace; and a testimony to the truth that God loves each of us as if we were the only one He had to love, and we are never gone too far to reach out to Him, because He is always reaching out to us.. It is a book that will give hope to the hopeless, and encourage Christians to step out in faith and be involved in reaching out to hurting people.

Dr. George W. Westlake, Jr., Ph.D. Pastor Emeritus

Sheffield Family Life Center Kansas City, Mo.

Dana McCartney Candillo is the real deal! She sought our ministry out all the way in Fort Myers and flew in to spend time with us in classes and time with our girls, she really interacted and spoke into their lives. The moment she left they missed her. They had opened up to her that easily. Dana is an amazing woman of God reaching out to those stuck in a life that will destroy them if they don't find their way out! She will help them find their way out!

Jeanie Turner, Director

One Way Out and His name is Jesus!

Hearing and reading Dana’s story is unfortunately a common thread I have heard, seen and dealt with throughout my 24 years on the Kansas City MO Police Department. Ladies that never see their beauty and potential due to years of abuse, alcohol/drugs, and dysfunction in the so called home. Reaching for the only way out, they are easily trafficked by those who appear to be friends only to find out it’s just another lie of Satan. This book is about REALITY right in our community! I applaud Dana for being transparent, telling her story, standing up as a model of hope for those victimized and being an example to the Christian community to show the love of Jesus. What a testimony of transformation.

Cindy Cotterman, Sergeant

Kansas City, MO Police Department

Surrendered Showgirl is a beautiful account of God's redeeming work, and a much needed reminder for ALL of us on God's pursuit of us, even in the darkest places. Dana's passion and zeal for Jesus exude from the pages; we know you'll be moved! Andrea Perun

StripChurch Network, Pasadena, CA 5

Dana’s story is an amazing testimony of how God’s grace can dramatically change any life no matter what the circumstance! As her past comes to life on the pages of her book you will discover the brutal reality of abuse, abandonment, and pain that unquestionably marks her childhood and young adult years. Yet in spite of all this, she did not let it define her or rob her of the beautiful life God had planned for her. You will see how God saved Dana from a life of destruction and bondage and brought her into a place of strength and dignity which later positioned her to bring healing, restoration and the message of salvation to other women who are still lost, hurting and hopeless. I believe this book will be a rewarding experience for all who read it, and should challenge us all to be willing to let God use our own personal, unedited, and authentic story as a way of reaching out to others who may find strength in seeing how the love of Christ can change lives!

Pastor Lisa Purkey

Nexus Church Olathe, KS

God's everlasting beauty is evident in the healing and transformational work of the Holy Spirit. Dana's life journey, is packed with the evidence of His Living Power that is readily available to all who desire to receive it. With many tears, I read the real life struggles of a precious young girl and rejoiced as she decided to pursue life to the fullest with all God's intentions. God pursued her, loved her and restored her. True joy is found as God expands His territories and His borders. As God continues to do this for Dana, this book will be an encouragement to you, as you continue to pursue God's fullness within life's journey.

Dr. Fel & Mrs. Dianna Bagunu

GracePointe Community Church Lee's Summit, MO

In Surrendered Showgirl….from Stripper to Saint, Dana Candillo, bares her soul and honestly shares her personal struggles in answering God's calling on her life into ministry. Her transformation has brought insight to this very controversial subject. Dana Candillo helps women throw off the shackles of bondage and break the chains of sexual exploitation so they can walk in the freedom that God has destined for their life. This book will inspire you to reach those who are searching for the Father's Love! Pastor Willie and Dr. Vickie Murillo

Sheffield Family Life Center, Kansas City, MO

Surrendered Showgirl is such a marvelous revelation of how God can take what seems to be overwhelming circumstances in a person’s life and make something beautiful and highly valued out of it. In this book Dana McCartney Candillo has shown us the dark and ugly side of the world and at the same time the light and freedom that God can bring. I know that this book will bring hope and help to those looking for a way out of the darkness.

Jack Elledge, UK Director

Joyce Meyer Ministries

I believed that my appearance and my body was my only resource. I began relying on them after the early child sexual abuse started. I began wearing heavy makeup, tight clothes, and a bleeding heart. I was on the search for real love. My mother was a severe alcoholic and drug addict and my father was in prison. Choices were few; structure, guidance and love were exempt. Survival was in full force.

I was full of unmet needs, desires, and wants. I had no goals, dreams, or ambition. Wading through the emotions of the tragic loss of my early childhood, my grandmother; mom was the only parent I once had. With her passing at my young age of 7, I was on an emotional roller coaster with no one to turn to. I was lost and trying to survive in a world of dysfunction, poverty, addictions and poor decisions of adults as well as my own.

In this memoir, From Stripper to Saint, I tell my life story. From an early childhood of many forms of abuse, neglect and uncertainty, to a teenage rebellion, completely out of control. I was on a desperate search for love and affection always to find a dead-end. My first marriage was to a male stripper who landed in prison and second marriage, a wealthy business-man in which material things couldn’t bring happiness. Inside the strip club I thought I found attention, financial means, affection and security. I thought I found myself. Truly I lost myself. I became someone else. Twenty years ago in January of 1994 when I least expected it…the Power of God invaded my heart and life and brought the Transforming Truth to my life. I was literally gripped and pulled out of my personal Hell.

In telling my story I hope to inspire and encourage women that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel. There is no distance too far for God to Reach. His love is limitless and unconditional."

Before you begin to read and process this story, I want you to know that I am so very delighted and excited for you to experience the Glory in the End. However, the end would make no sense if the beginning were not told. We cannot dwell, live in, or continue looking back as to what is left behind. We MUST push forward toward the future and live in the NOW! I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:14 NLT

This story was written with absolutely no intent of harming anyone and is purposed with the clear intent of guiding others struggling with similar backgrounds, bondages, addictions, and struggles with direction toward FREEDOM through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior!

I desperately pray that you know that it is of extreme importance to me that the persons and life experiences captured throughout the story should NOT be judged or dishonored regarding the circumstances. The past is just that: The Past! The people portrayed throughout my journey all remain close to me and my only sole intent in sharing specific details is to reflect on the end result which is the marvelous Glory of our God! Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Matthew 7:1 NLT and He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first. John 8:7b NKJV

Truly this story contains two radical life transforming testimonies. One is mine and the other is my mother’s. Decades have passed, much grace, healing, restoration, change, and 100% FORGIVENESS has transpired. So I ask you in advance to please hold on to nothing negative, as I am completely FREE, so is she, and so should you be! For Surely HE IS GOOD and MERCIFUL!

Though my personal journey was a season of great difficulty; through this story I choose to publically forgive. As well, I give credit to my mother for inviting me to church, into a new environment filled with His presence, where I made the greatest decision of my life. My decision and commitment to Christ has led me to my destiny. Today, I am fully aware of my true born identity and my eternity. In forgiveness peace abides. I trust this story will help others walk in forgiveness and freedom; be made whole.

Graced in Oceans Deep,

Dana

I am a personal friend of Dana’s mom and can testify how God has changed her and worked miracles in her life. She is a dear friend and fellow sister in Christ. She is a true testament of how God sees all of us as being witnesses for His Kingdom.

Long time Family friend,

L.H.

‘Shared stories build a relational bridge that Jesus can walk across from your heart to others’.

Rick Warren, The Purpose Drive Life ©

Rocky Candillo

Wow, was my first impression! As I'm sitting in church and see a beautiful blonde. I think to myself; who is that gorgeous lady? Upon leaving the service, I am introduced to her by a mutual friend. As I was leaving, I turn around to glance at her again and she's looking back at me. This was the beginning of this crazy little thing called love for Dana and I! As we got to know each other, she began to share her past with me. Dana opened up about the pains and pitfalls, the tragedies and triumphs in her life and said to me, I may not be the girl for you. I knew she was now born again and I could not hold her past against her. In fact, if many of us were to share things from our past we could all bury our heads in shame and embarrassment. So, who am I to hold Dana's past against her or anyone else for that matter? People may question how I'm okay with my wife revealing her past lifestyle. You might ask if it bothers me? It would bother me more to stand in judgment. II Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) This means anyone who belongs to Christ has became a new person the old life is gone a new life has begun! I have had a front row seat and witnessed the full metamorphosis of what has taken place in Dana's life. Overcoming the fear and anxiety that used to rule her life has now given way to peace, hope and faith.

Dana is bold in her passion to share the love of God with hurting people wherever they may be. It doesn't matter if it's in the store, in the hair salon or in a strip club. She wants everyone to know what Jesus has done in this Surrendered Showgirls’ life!

I am very proud of Dana. The way she has allowed the power of God to use her is as beautiful as she is; inside and out. Her story is a Paradox! It shows us that by surrendering our life to GOD; we gain it back! John 10:10 (MSG) states, I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. I am a very proud husband!

Te Amo!

Tu Esposo,

Rocky

For years, I would enter into my house late at night after work, many times drunk and in a wasted state of mind. I would find myself