There are moments in time when tragedy feels so heavy and thick, it is impossible to find the light. But sometimes in these darkest pages of history, phenomenal examples of the human spirit emerge.
It is in these people that you will find the true heart of humanity. No evil intention or violent act will ever overshadow that at the core, most people act out of love.
And it is this love that unleashes immense courage in the face of cruelty.
Below are just a few of the many examples we saw on Sunday.
‘I am just a mum’
As bullets flew through the air echoing like raging thunder, pregnant woman Jessica Rozen noticed the cries of a terrified little girl calling out for her mum and dad.
A day that had started with eating doughnuts and celebrating Hannukah had turned into a nightmare.
As people screamed and ducked under a set of chairs that had been set up for the day’s celebrations, Jessica went to the girl she did not know and lay on top of her.
The gunman was just a few feet away continuing to fire at people.
As they hid under the white plastic chairs to avoid being shot, Jessica calmly repeated over and over: “I got you”.
The two survived and were reunited with their families.
In an interview with Sky News, Jessica said her own two young children were found safe with other relatives.
“I am just a mum and I did what mums do” she said.
The couple who tried to prevent the attack
Boris, 69, and Sofia, 61, had been married more than three decades when they arrived at Bondi Beach on Sunday.
The Gurmans were there to celebrate Sofia’s upcoming birthday.
Dashcam footage from a car passing by captures the moment the couple spots one of the shooters on Campbell Parade in Bondi.
As Sajid Akram gets out of a car with an Islamic State flag on the windscreen, Boris and Sofia confront him.
The shooter is tackled to the ground and Boris manages to get the gun from him for a moment.
The Bondi locals sacrificed their lives trying to save others.
Ahmed Al Ahmed
A 43-year-old father and fruit shop owner has been praised around the planet with everyone from Donald Trump to Anthony Albanese commending him for his courage.
In footage that has been viewed millions of times online, Ahmed Al Ahmed is seen approaching one of the gunmen from behind.
He grabs onto him and somehow wrestles the weapon from him.
It was a blow to the attackers and the gunman was forced to walk away.
Ahmed was shot several times by the second gunman who was looking over from a bridge as this all unfolded.
Fortunately, Ahmed survived and has received flowers, messages of thanks and VIP guest visits as he recovers in hospital.
His parents who recently came to Australia from Syria to visit him have expressed great pride and thanks to God.
Emergency responders and bystanders
There were numerous paramedics, lifeguards, police, emergency workers and volunteers who ran into an active shooter scene to help others.
There were everyday people just enjoying a beach day who did whatever they could to comfort and protect strangers as the deadly attack unfolded.
In a few minutes, 15 lives were taken and 40 injured.
For many, a lifetime will not be enough to heal from this.
As we lean in around those grieving, one thing is clear – courage now is more important than ever before.
The courage to be there for others, to step up and show love where it’s needed most.
Ultimately, that is humanity’s greatest power and it’s the only thing that can help us get through this.
If you need to speak to someone you can reach Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.