Comparing Belinda Emmett And Gemma Sisia

Compare and contrast the spiritual searching of Belinda Emmett & Gemma Sisia

1. What were their emotional reactions to the issues that confronted them?

Gemma Sisia was less externally emotional about the problem she encountered, and immediately took action and showed determination. The reaction of Belinda Emmett to her very different problem was more emotional, as it related to her life directly and was a chronic disease that affected her personally.

2. What actions/attitudes did they discipline themselves to take?

Sisia’s attitude was a forward thinking one, she took logical stops to solve her problem of raising money for the construction of a school in Eastern Africa. Belinda Emmett had less control over her problem, choosing to accept

it and search for the reason she was placed on this Earth. Her strength and persistence was more underlying than that of Gemma Sisia, because of their differing circumstances/situations.

3. What values and beliefs sustained them?
Gemma Sisia never stopped working to improve the lives of children in poverty and would not accept it if someone told her she couldn’t. She showed persistence, determination and strength in terms of never giving up. She had extraordinary belief for herself and for the people around her. Gemma showed values such as integrity, humility, compassion and sacrifice in her actions.
Belinda Emmett showed courage and strength in a different way. The problem she faced was much more personal, and there was less she could do about it herself. Even in her last moments of life, Belinda was still searching for knowledge and wisdom, in the meaning of life. She drew strength and positivity from her family and her music, and remained more concerned for others than herself, at this weak point in her life.

4. How have they inspired others?
Gemma Sisia thought of others, of people who did not have the same opportunities she had. She went out with the intention of making a difference and has changed the lives of over 500 children. Sisia has also influenced other people to engage in her work and sacrifice, and she has shown great leadership.
Despite her own personal battle, Emmett showed kindness, selflessness and happiness. She used humour as a coping mechanism and wanted the best for the people around her. Belinda would of course be a great inspiration to other young sufferers of sufferers, that even if survival is unlikely, they can still do so much with the rest of their lives and influence the people around them.

5. What was your personal reaction to each of the stories? What did you feel? What did you learn? How were you challenged?
Sisia’s story showed me that one person can make a huge difference if they go do something now.

She dropped everything in her life at that point, because she knew that there was a problem and she felt she had to go help these people in need.

The story of Belinda Emmett and her cancer diagnosis bought up strong emotions in me. As such a young woman, she remained a caring and loving individual, thinking of others over herself. This is something that left a mark on me personally.

6. Using a religious or spiritual perspective comment on each situation.

7. How do you think their spiritual beliefs and/or experiences had an impact on their lives?

Gemma had a much more sound belief in terms of the afterlife and God. She was a strict Catholic and even thought of becoming a nun. Her childhood home had a prayer room where the family was able to reflect and show thanks. I believe this would have made Gemma a more selfless and giving person.

While Belinda Emmett’s religion and spirituality was a lot more underlying/closeted, it is inferred that she believed in something. While she wasn’t sure about the afterlife, she drew upon a spirit that she believed in to live her last few days with humility and grace, and it seemed as if she had

closure.