‘The tears we shed when we see the loss of innocent lives, are not a sign of weakness. Instead they are the sign of a pure and loving heart who cares for humanity’ ….Livonne

One of my favourite books is by Ethel Turner, called Seven Little Australians. The line in it that will always break me is in the final chapter. It reads, “They went home again, the six of them, and Esther, who, all her days, “would go the softlier, sadlier” because of the price that had been paid for the life of her little sweet son. The very air of Yarrahappini seemed to crush them and hang heavy on their souls”.

Well today, Australians are going much softlier, sadlier due to events yesterday in the beautiful Sydney suburb of Bondi. Yesterday afternoon, while people were going about their own business by doing a spot of shopping in the local mall, a madman went through stabbing people for no reason. It doesn’t bear thinking about, but it happened. Six innocent people have died and others are still in hospital in varying conditions. One of those still in hospital is a nine month old baby who is left without a mummy after the attack. Yes, it all hangs heavy on our souls today.

I don’t want to even think about what makes a person decide to take another life without provocation. And today, I don’t want to dwell on the evil that did this. I don’t want to hear that he had a hard life or was mentally ill. He was pure evil and evil doesn’t deserve headlines. Instead I will dwell on the goodness that people showed. To the police officer who was nearby and attended and shot the evil which stopped him from hurting another precious life. To the bystanders who helped others or put themselves at risk by trying to stop the evil. To those who took the calls while the carnage was happening and to the first responders who were sent to deal with the aftermath. These people show us how much good there is in the world.

And there is goodness. We can’t lose sight of that. Whenever there is a tragedy of some sort, you will see signs of goodness and kindness. A nation comes together to mourn and to help where possible. We’ve seen it time and again. We have to keep our eyes on that instead of the evil that perpetrated this horrendous act. He doesn’t deserve our focus or our energy. Instead we need to collectively send our love to all those involved, victims and their friends and families, bystanders, police, paramedics and ambos and anyone else involved with this sad day in our history. They are the angels who walk amongst us.

My heart is so sad today, as is every thinking person in Australia and I’m sure the rest of the world. No one should lose their life by simply doing their weekly shop. But we will keep going about our business because if we live in fear, evil wins. Instead we need to focus on love and kindness. Love and kindness are the only things that can save humanity. And hug your loved ones just a bit closer today.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by these events, please find someone to talk to. Chances are, someone needs you as much as you need them. Have a cuppa with a friend or if you need it, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. But whatever you are doing, be gentle with yourself today. And if you can, show an act of kindness to someone.

No happy today, just a very sad heart….Livvy xxx