When reading the Bible story of Mary of Nazareth, I often wonder what happened to Mary during this special time of her life. What was the reaction of her family? Who knew? How did Mary's engagement occur? Was Joseph, as historians concur, an older man? Where was Mary when the angel appeared, telling her of the coming Messiah? How did she get to Elisabeth's home? Who took her? How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem? How long were they there? Did they return home with the babe between the birth and the visit of the Magi as Luke 2:39 indicates?

After extensive research, I have taken the freedom of conjecture to draw the story together.

Very little is known of Mary following the birth of Jesus. She later appears at the temple with Joseph and Jesus and again at the wedding at Cana of Galilee. We see her again as she visits Jesus with her family at Capernaum. She is at the cross and in the upper room at Pentecost. We hear no more of Mary.

In the Christian world she is held in high regard by some, but very little by others. We should bless and honor her, for under inspiration of the Holy Spirit she herself said, "Henceforth all generations shall call me blessed" (Luke 1:48).

For what she did for us, we should give her the place of honor she deserves.

Helen LaVerne Basham lives with her husband, Bob, in Louisville, KY. They recently celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. They have four sons, Dale, Mark, John and James (Janice), and four grandchildren; Natalie, Sara, Nicholas, and Harrison.

Helen is active in her church, teaching a Sunday school class, and is involved in the music ministry and Missions department. She works part-time at a local hospital.

This is her first published work.