In 1993 the University of Michigan was playing in the NCAA finals for the men’s basketball championship against North Carolina. They had a young, but incredible team. They had made the championship game the year before starting five freshmen but had been soundly beaten in the finals. Now sophomores, the “Fab Five” were primed and ready to win the NCAA tournament. They were led by their superstar Chris Webber. He had carried the team to many victories that year. He was their team leader and team MVP, and he had been instrumental in the Wolverines NCAA tournament run in making it back to the finals.

The game against North Carolina was a see-saw affair all night, and it was coming down to the final minute. Both teams were pretty evenly matched and it was a terrific game. With 20 seconds left and North Carolina leading by two, North Carolina missed a free throw and Webber of Michigan grabbed the rebound. Michigan had no timeouts left and needed to work the ball inside for a short-range shot to tie or attempt a three to try and win. They had a chance.

After a frenetic rebound, Webber began dribbling down the court, racing down the sideline past midcourt. He dribbled in front of his team’s bench and down to the baseline and was looking for help. He was quickly swarmed by two defenders and suddenly did something he knew he shouldn’t have done. With 11 seconds now remaining and in a moment of panic, Webber called time out. It was an enormous mistake as Webber immediately remembered Michigan had no time outs left. Now it was considered a technical foul and North Carolina was given two free throws and possession of the ball. The game was now technically over. North Carolina went down and made the two free throws and iced the game. The victory celebration began for North Carolina, while the mortification began for Webber.

For young Chris Webber, this experience was a nightmare. He immediately felt the despair of his ill-timed decision. He was devastated. All the world had witnessed his personal disaster. All the world had seen his mistake firsthand. He had let down his entire team. I am certain at that moment and at that time he would have loved to have just disappeared. With the loneliness that often comes from despair, Chris was an emotional mess.

In the locker room after the game came a barrage of questions and unwanted media attention as Chris spoke of his costly mistake and owned up to the consequences of the poor decision. He seemed to hold his frustrations, disappointment, discouragement, and emotions in check for a time. This outspoken, proud, and maybe cocky athlete now was emotionally broken and in desperate need of help and support. He needed relief from his perceived failure which had plunged him into deep heartache and emotional loneliness.

After leaving the locker room after a long wait to avoid even more reporters, something remarkable happened. At the pinnacle of his despair walking through the tunnel to depart the arena, Webber heard a few wonderful fans say ‘That’s all right, Chris!’ and ‘Hang in there, Chris.’ Suddenly Chris was wrapped in the familiar arms of his father, Mayce. His brother was there also seeking to console Chris. Chris dropped his bag and his shoulders began to heave as he just wept in the arms of his father. Here was this huge six-foot ten-inch son clinging to his father.

Here was unfiltered and unashamed love from a father and brother who knew no other type of love. Here was where Chris knew he could go for love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. He knew somehow his father would never focus on his failures, only on his successes. In a moment of desperation, these tender loving arms brought some desperately needed relief to Chris in his state of despair. For Chris that day, in his most desperate state of loneliness, comfort could only be found in the tender arms of his loving Father and brother. We will have days, months, and years like Chris had that day and I know the only place we can go for compassion, comfort, and love will be to the arms of safety of our Savior.