When Fear Knocks, Let Faith Answer The Door

It was right up there with the most heartwarming moments I’ve ever experienced in sports.

Robin Roberts, the ESPN sportscaster and more recently co-anchor of Good Morning America who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, then endured a bone marrow transplant in 2012, received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY awards last week at the Nokia Theatre across the street from Staples Center.

Looking superb, she was introduced by LeBron James, who had won three awards that night for his basketball excellence.

He wore a tuxedo and she wore a dazzling red dress, and after they arrived on the stage he told the audience “this is the bravest woman I’ve ever met.”

Then she began a speech I will always remember.

She thanked her sister, Sally-Ann, who was in the audience, for the sacrifices she has made.

“I have her DNA,’ said Robin.

Roberts received a standing ovation and reflected on how a little girl from Mississippi progressed to where she is now in her life.

The annual ESPY awards honor the best athletes in a variety of sports, but on this night the courageous lady stole the show.

“Others have exhibited more strength and courage than I have,” said Roberts. “But I have learned that when fear knocks let faith answer the door.”

In a related interview Roberts talked about how she felt following the bone marrow transplant.

“I couldn’t eat, drink or sleep,” she said. “I thought I was slipping away.”

Now 52, she has returned to work.

We watch sports, focusing on who wins and loses and which players succeed or fail.

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This night we were moved to see a lot more than that. The ESPY award is not only a symbol of Roberts’ inspiration battle. It is a tribute to all who have fought such battles.