The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Memorial to Charlie Kirk – September 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this emotionally charged special episode, host Ben Ferguson and guest Senator Ted Cruz reflect on the life, legacy, and faith of Charlie Kirk following his assassination. Broadcasting just hours after Kirk's extraordinary memorial service in Arizona, the episode forgoes political analysis to recount the impact of the day—a day marked by national grief, personal testimony, and spiritual revival. With over 100 million online viewers and over 200,000 attendees, the hosts share firsthand experiences, highlight transformative moments (including Erica Kirk’s remarkable speech of forgiveness), and discuss how Kirk’s death catalyzed public conversations about faith and unity over division.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Significance and Atmosphere of the Memorial

• Both Ferguson and Cruz attended the Arizona memorial service among many political and movement leaders.
• The atmosphere was described not as political, but as “a revival” marked by unity, worship, and the presence of the Holy Spirit rather than political power.

  “I feel like I'm watching a revival take place that is so much bigger than politics.” —Ben (01:16)

• The sheer turnout and reach: Over 200,000 in attendance (most without tickets), over 100 million online streams, and stadiums at full capacity.

  “It looked like the Super Bowl…a steady line of people…at 6 in the morning.” —Sen. Cruz (11:25)

2. Grief & Celebration

• The hosts reflect on personal loss as well as collective mourning, having witnessed Kirk’s assassination and participated in the aftermath.

  “We were grieving our friend…But as much as there was grief…today, the atmosphere, more than anything, was one of celebration.” —Sen. Cruz (02:45)

• The service was seen as a celebration of Kirk’s life, faith, and legacy, rather than a call to vengeance, echoing themes of revival and transformation among the crowds.

3. The Viral “Amazing Grace” Moment

• Upon landing in Arizona en route to the memorial, passengers on Ben’s flight spontaneously broke into “Amazing Grace.” Ben played a recording of this moving moment on the episode.

  “People singing Amazing Grace on a United flight. What a testimony to everyone.” —Ben (09:26)
  [Audio clip plays; singing finishes] (10:30)

4. Erica Kirk’s Speech: Forgiveness and Revival

• The highlight of the service was Erica Kirk’s address. Facing unimaginable loss, her words—especially her message of forgiveness toward her husband’s killer—reverberated across the audience and online.

  “…the strength it took to give that speech less than two weeks after you've lost your husband…she was so openly relying on God's strength…” —Sen. Cruz (12:32)
  “…what my husband always prayed he would see in this country. We saw revival.” —Erica Kirk (13:54)

• Erica’s act of forgiveness was repeatedly described as the most memorable and powerful moment.

  “I forgive him…because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do. The answer to hate is not hate. The answer…is love.” —Erica Kirk (17:59)

• Both hosts and the crowd were deeply moved, seeing her forgiveness as a true embodiment of the Gospel, prompting non-Christians to ask deep questions about faith.

  “If you are not a Christian, you have to be asking yourself a question. What is it that she has that I don't? How could she forgive in this moment?” —Ben (19:14)

5. The Power of Testimony and Witness

• Senator Cruz reads a tweet from a non-Christian viewer, Sana Ibrahimi, who contrasts her upbringing in Islam with the celebratory, love-centered tone of Kirk’s Christian memorial, expressing admiration for what she witnessed.

  “I cannot imagine myself standing on a stage sending love to those who cheered your husband's murder…that is powerful beyond words.” —Sana Ibrahimi (via Cruz, 21:47)

6. Repentance, Transformation, and Public Witness

• The hosts discuss how the tragedy shifted leading public figures—often reluctant to discuss faith—toward open and bold sharing of the Gospel.

  “You and I have talked more about our faith on this podcast in the last two weeks than we have ever before.” —Ben (24:26)
  “J.D. Vance said…he's talked more about faith in the last two weeks than…in his entire life.” —Sen. Cruz (24:56)

7. The Memorial as a Unifying Moment

• The memorial united political adversaries and influential figures—President Trump, Elon Musk (who shared a photo with Trump captioned “For Charlie”), and even left-leaning commentator Van Jones.

  “In the last week of his life, [Charlie] did something that shocked me. He sent me a personal message calling for personal dialogue…don't put that [polarization] on Charlie Kirk…” —Van Jones (28:37)

8. President Trump’s Remarks

• Trump’s eulogy was notable for its sincerity and focus on Erica and her family’s faith:

  “You have somehow found the strength and deep faith to be a comfort to millions and millions of people. And thank you very much, Erica.” —President Trump (26:22)

• The entire service, despite the VIP political audience, focused on faith, worship, and the Gospel, transcending political divisions.

9. The Broader Impact and Hope for America

• Ferguson and Cruz express hope that the ripple effect of Kirk’s life and the memorial will spark a generational revival, especially among young people, changing the tone of public dialogue and personal relationships.

  “I left there today more hopeful for the future of this country than I have been in decades…” —Ben (31:05)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|--------------|-------| | 01:16 | Ben | “I feel like I'm watching a revival take place that is so much bigger than politics.” | | 04:19 | Sen. Cruz | “What a life well lived, and what a celebration…There was a feel of revival.” | | 09:26 | Ben | “People singing Amazing Grace on a United flight. What a testimony to everyone.” | | 13:54 | Erica Kirk | “God's mercy and God's love have been revealed to me these past 10 days...We didn’t see violence...We saw revival.” | | 17:59 | Erica Kirk | “I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do…the answer…is love.” | | 19:14 | Ben | “If you are not a Christian, you have to be asking yourself a question. What is it that she has that I don't?” | | 21:47 | Sana Ibrahimi (via Cruz) | “I cannot imagine myself standing on a stage sending love to those who cheered your husband's murder…that is powerful beyond words.” | | 24:26 | Ben | “You and I have talked more about our faith on this podcast in the last two weeks than we have ever before.” | | 26:22 | President Trump | “You have somehow found the strength and deep faith to be a comfort to millions and millions of people. And thank you very much, Erica.” | | 28:37 | Van Jones | “The last day of his life, he was reaching out to have, not more censorship, more conversation, more dialogue with somebody who honestly was one of his adversaries.” | | 31:05 | Ben | “I left there today more hopeful for the future of this country than I have been in decades.” | | 32:28 | Sen. Cruz | “If my people…will humble themselves and pray…then I will hear from heaven and…I will heal their land.” |

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:29] — Ben introduces the special memorial-focused episode
• [02:45] — Senator Cruz describes the atmosphere and personal grief
• [09:12] — Viral “Amazing Grace” moment shared from Ben’s United flight
• [12:32] — Erica Kirk’s speech analyzed for strength, grace, and faith
• [13:54] — Erica on revival instead of violence after the tragedy
• [17:59] — Erica’s climactic words of forgiveness
• [24:26] — Hosts reflect on renewed faith conversation
• [26:22] — President Trump’s tribute
• [28:37] — Van Jones’ testament to Kirk’s willingness for dialogue
• [30:02] — Elon Musk and Trump’s public reconciliation "for Charlie"
• [31:05] — Reflections on hope and generational change
• [32:28] — Closing invocation of Scripture and national healing

Conclusion

This episode stands as a living memorial to Charlie Kirk, providing an intimate, detailed, and profoundly spiritual recounting of his legacy and the day’s events. It transcends ordinary political commentary, emphasizing the power of faith, forgiveness, and unity in the face of tragedy. By foregrounding Erica Kirk’s testimony of grace and the subsequent ripple effect on national dialogue, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz offer a touching, hopeful vision for America’s future—anchored not in politics, but in the gospel and communal revival.