Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing
Use caution with whom you follow
Aesop was a slave and a story teller who lived who lived in ancient Greece between 620 and 564 BCE.
Apollonius of Tyana, a 1st-century CE philosopher said of Aesop: "...he made use of humble incidents to teach great truths."1[1]
These truths thread through the centuries for us today.
During the last year, I've been aware of the horrific story of the vloggers, Jodi Hildebrandt and Ruby Franke. Now both in prison and convicted for their repugnant crimes. While they were committing these crimes, they had garnered millions of followers on their online channel called, "8 Passengers"2
I never watched their show. In fact, I'd never heard of it until they were arrested. However, I have wondered how they bamboozled millions of people. Here is a link with details of the crimes against children they committed: https://www.thecut.com/article/ruby-franke-utah-mommy-vlogger-pleads-guilty-to-child-abuse.html
As I've stated numerous times, evil and what causes it, is beyond my abilities.3 In my simplistic terms, I think they are both a "Wolf in Sheep's Clothing." Possibly they had healthy, therapeutic jargon. Maybe a few of the things they said made sense. But a MILLION people? Following these two Wolves in Sheep's Clothing? I don't understand. Nor do I want to.
Before their convictions, the Deseret News4 reported:
"Franke is known for her '8 Passengers' YouTube channel which had millions of followers (emphasis added). The videos followed the lives of Franke, her husband and six children but was taken offline earlier this year for unknown reasons. Four of Franke's children were taken into state protective custody following Wednesday's arrest.
Hildebrandt is the founder of the Orem-based mental and emotional healing company "ConneXions Classroom, ” a company that says it helps people with addiction and mental health issues. According to the Utah Division of Professional Licensing’s website, Hildebrandt is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in Ivins, Utah.
Hildebrandt and Franke are business partners, with Franke listed on the ConneXions website as a "certified mental fitness trainer."
They are both in prison now, for abusing children.
I'm certain they aren't the only ones camouflaging their despicable actions with some professional branding. Much like a Wolf in Sheep's Clothing.
Please use caution with whom you follow online. Simply because someone has millions of followers and makes a bit of sense, doesn't mean everything they proselytize is good or healthy. They could lure you into a trap of toxicity that will take time and energy to extract from…or worse.
Now removed
Brilliant!!!