The Standing Ovation at Fenway

On October 25, 1986, Bill Buckner crouched at first base in Game 6 of the World Series. A slow grounder from Mookie Wilson rolled toward him — and slipped right through his legs. The Mets scored the winning run. Boston lost the Series.

For over twenty years, Buckner carried that moment like a millstone. He received death threats. His family was harassed. He eventually moved to Idaho to escape the cruelty of a city that could not forgive one error on one autumn night.

Then came Opening Day 2008. The Red Sox, having finally broken the curse in 2004, invited Buckner to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park. When he walked onto that field, thirty-seven thousand fans rose to their feet. The ovation would not stop. Buckner, the man who had hidden from Boston for two decades, stood on the mound and wept. The city that had punished him was finally saying: You are welcome home.

That is what the Almighty does with every one of us. We carry our failures the way Buckner carried that ground ball — certain we have been written off for good. But God does not keep a highlight reel of our worst moments. The cross is His standing ovation for every soul that believed they could never come back. "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12).

You do not have to hide anymore. Come home.