THE SEVEN SEEDS OF A GOOD DEATH
IT'S MORE THAN STRENGTH AND HONOR
In Roman tradition, a good death was revered as the ultimate testament to strength and honor—most often displayed on the battlefield, where courage and dignity enshrined a soldier’s legacy for generations. Yet death, in its truest sense, transcends the singular moment of passing. It is a mirror held up to the life we have lived, calling us to examine the deeper virtues that define not only the way we meet our end but the way we walk through every day. Death beckons us to consider the seeds we plant in our actions, the imprint we leave on the hearts of others, and the grace with which we prepare for the transition from this world to what lies beyond. It is both the culmination of a meaningful life and the quiet testament of how we have embraced its impermanence.
These reflections are at the heart of my upcoming novel, The Seven Seeds: Shepherd of Souls, where history takes a daring turn, and the stakes are nothing less than the soul of civilization itself. Torn from the sanctity of the Vatican, Pope Gregory finds himself in an alternate Rome—one that never fell, untouched by Christianity, and ruled by mythical gods of power and conquest. He discovers an ancient manuscript revealing seven transformative virtues: compassion, humility, forgiveness, justice, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice. These Seven Seeds virtues become Gregory’s guiding light as he seeks to plant the seeds of change in a world dominated by ambition and brutality.
This novel is not just an exploration of what could have been but a meditation on the virtues that define a meaningful life and death. It offers readers a journey that stirs the soul and challenges the imagination.
These seven symbolic seeds represent a virtue cultivated through our choices, relationships, and actions. Together, they prepare us for death and a life that resonates with purpose.
COMPASSION
The first seed, compassion, reminds us to care deeply for others, even as we face our struggles. Compassion softens the edges of fear and suffering, allowing us to connect with the humanity in ourselves and others. A life rooted in compassion ensures that it is surrounded by love when the end comes.HUMILITY
Humility teaches us to embrace our limitations and accept life as it is, not as we wish it to be. This seed helps us face death without arrogance or denial but with grace and openness, recognizing our place within the greater design of existence.FORGIVENESS
The third seed, forgiveness, is a gift to ourselves and others. Releasing resentment and seeking reconciliation clears our burdens, freeing our hearts and minds for peace. A good death cannot exist without the healing power of forgiveness.JUSTICE
Justice calls us to live with integrity and fairness, ensuring our actions uplift and honor others. This seed is about creating balance in our lives and leaving a legacy of equity and respect for those who come after us.WISDOM
Wisdom comes from reflecting on life’s lessons and sharing them generously. It allows us to approach the unknown with understanding and perspective, finding meaning even in life’s most challenging moments.COURAGE
The sixth seed, courage, empowers us to face death with strength and resolve. It is not about the absence of fear but the ability to move forward despite it. Courage inspires us and those around us to embrace the unknown with dignity and hope.SACRIFICE
Sacrifice, the final seed, is the willingness to give of ourselves for something greater. Whether through acts of love, service or letting go of control, sacrifice transforms our passing into an act of purpose, leaving behind a legacy of selflessness.
A good death does not happen by chance; it is the culmination of a life lived with intention. These seven seeds—compassion, humility, forgiveness, justice, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice—are planted through our daily choices, nurtured in our relationships, and harvested in the legacy we leave. They remind us that death is not an end but a transition, one that can be approached with grace and peace.
In The Seven Seeds: Shepherd of Souls, Pope Gregory faces unimaginable trials as he seeks to plant these virtues in a world ruled by relentless power and despair. His journey challenges the very nature of human destiny, asking what it means to live and die with purpose. As you reflect on these seeds, consider how they might guide not only the way your story ends but also the way it unfolds. By tending the seeds of compassion, humility, forgiveness, justice, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice, we cultivate a good death and a life of profound meaning—a legacy that transcends time.
Step into a world reimagined in The Seven Seeds: Shepherd of Souls, where history takes a daring turn, and the stakes are nothing less than the soul of civilization itself. Torn from the sanctity of the Vatican, Pope Gregory finds himself thrust into an alternate reality—a Rome that never fell, untouched by Christianity, where mythical gods of conquest and power reign supreme.
Lost in a world ruled by ambition and relentless power, Gregory uncovers an ancient manuscript revealing seven transformative virtues: compassion, humility, forgiveness, justice, wisdom, courage, and sacrifice—The Seven Seeds. These timeless ideals are key to challenging the empire’s unyielding brutality and forging a bridge between two worlds divided by conflict and despair.
As Gregory struggles to plant the seeds of change, he must navigate the grandeur and cruelty of a timeless Rome. With the help of unlikely allies, he begins a mission to spread these virtues, risking everything to defy a merciless Emperor and inspire hope in the hearts of the oppressed. Each step brings unimaginable trials, testing Gregory’s faith and forcing him to confront the beliefs that have defined him.
The Seven Seeds is an epic tale of transformation and redemption. History collides with what could have been, and humanity teeters on the edge of profound change. For readers who yearn for sweeping narratives, richly imagined settings, and stories that challenge the very nature of human destiny, this novel offers a journey that will grip their imagination and stir their souls.
Dive into the pages of The Seven Seeds and uncover the answers for yourself. The journey awaits.
