Spiritual heroes come in all shapes and sizes, ages and races. They are bold and quiet, brave and meek—from across the ocean and from small-town America.

One thing they all have in common: they come into our lives and leave an indelible impression that points back to Christ before it points back to them.

We wanted to hear about these everyday heroes, the ones who spend their lives spreading the gospel—who, even if they didn't know it, left those eternal marks on those around them.

We took to social media to hear from you and we added a few of our own, and after the stories were gathered and the testimonies told, one thing became clear: the decision to spend a life sharing the love of Christ, even in little everyday ways with those around you, will always be heroic.

My Mom

My spiritual hero is my mom because she's always been honest when it comes to living out her faith. I think some parents are so concerned about setting the "right" example for their kids that they hide their own struggles, doubts and fears. Because she never did that, I felt safe going to her with my own struggles. I've tried to parent my daughters the same way, and it's led to some of the most amazing conversations about God I've ever been a part of. My mom is definitely my spiritual hero. —Karen Daniel, Lifeway Student Publishing

Franklin Graham

As a new Christian, I was involved in Operation Christmas Child and was able to meet Franklin Graham. He could not have been more humble or kind. There are few things that are more inspirational than seeing children open up gifts with a gospel purpose all over the world. —Will Crum (@will_crum)

My Dad, Donny Crass

Without his example and intentional steps in parenting and discipling me, I would by no means be the man I am today. This was especially true during the most formative years of my life, my high school and early college years.

The time spent together and conversations we had about our faith both challenged and encouraged me in my walk with Christ. Also, as I grew into becoming my own man, with my own marriage and ministry, he did an excellent job of "releasing me" and forcing me to fully rely on Christ while being an encouragement all along the way. —Brent Crass (@BrentCrass)

My Grandfather, Ray Petty

He lived every single day of his adult life on mission for Christ.

Whether it was his nurse, the grocery store bagger or the bus driver, they would hear about Christ through his actions or his words. Later in his life as his health declined, in the midst of great physical suffering, he remained joyful and so very humble yet still aching to tell anyone and everyone about the love of our Savior.

Gentleness, kindness, and peacefulness defined him well. Looking back on his life, I'm reminded of the urgency he felt to share the gospel and encouraged to live a life that displays Christ. —Kaitlin Redmond, Lifeway Student Publishing

My Grandfather, Raymond Turner

He brought me to Christ. Without him, our family would have been lost. —Leslie Staggs (@leszmore)

Amber Sugg

During my senior year in college she asked me to be her intern. I had no experience in kids ministry and I thought she was insane for asking. She insisted, and in doing so became not only my boss, but my mentor.

The Lord used my time as her intern to cultivate a deep love for sharing the gospel with young people. There's nothing quite like the moment you watch a kid "get" the gospel for the first time. Amber has committed her life to sharing the gospel over and over in ways that kids can understand. She loves those kids, her job and Jesus in the most refreshing way. —Katie Wylie, Lifeway Students

My Grandfather

Thinking back on my childhood, I remember how very special it was to visit my grandparents. My grandfather had the patience of Job, so the phrase goes. I want to be that type of person for my grandchildren. I'm not sure I quite achieved it with my own children. We were so busy making ends meet and getting them to church events, ballgames and practices.

I remember one particular summer at my grandparent's house. My grandfather loved to take naps, and I was just the kind of little girl that loved fixing hair and makeup. Well, while he was in the middle of his nap, I decided to get into my grandmother's makeup. When he awoke, he made his usual trip to the powder room, only to find rosy red cheeks, blue eyelids and hair standing straight up atop of his head. He didn't utter a word, nor did he remove the additional color to his face. He was a kind, gentle man, who loved the Lord. —Patti Baker, Lifeway Student Publishing

My Dad, Don Mingo

He acted out his faith by doing what God called him to. At 29, he brought his wife and three kids to the unknown world (for our family, at least) of South Africa. God called him to be countercultural in and among the time of apartheid.

God was able to use him in such a powerful way because he was willing to listen to the call of God and act upon it. True faith is action and that is what I saw in my dad growing up. These are my irreplaceable memories. Dad you're my hero! —Dennis Mingo (@dennismingo)

My Dad, Charles Turner

Hands down, he is my spiritual hero. He pastored smaller churches for 48 years and taught me to love Jesus. Many are in the Kingdom because of my dad's faithfulness to Christ. —Paul Turner, WorldChangers/P2 Missions

My Granddad

I've always considered my grandfather to be one of the wisest men I know. He has been a spiritual leader in my family and in his church. He is very passionate about serving others and is very selfless, making many sacrifices for his family and friends that most will never know. Although he definitely has a sense of humor, he is "quick" to think before he speaks and usually has something profound and deep to put whatever situation in perspective.

I don't get to see him or my grandmother as often anymore, but I think I value and appreciate them more as I get older and realize that many peers are not as blessed as me to have such great spiritual examples in their lives. —Jessica Best, World Changers/P2 Missions

My Dad, David

His faith impacted every aspect of his life—as a husband, father, friend and pastor. He went to be with the Lord when I was in college, but his influence in the years I had with him lingers on. I recently wrote down a few memories of him that have shaped my life and character.

My dad never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I remember one time in particular we were standing in line at Disney World (before the days of Fast Passes) when he started befriending the people in line around us. Before long, they were swapping life stories and asking spiritual questions.

My dad ended up sharing the gospel with a small crowd right outside the entrance to Space Mountain. I think at the time I might have been embarrassed that my dad was always in "preacher mode," but later in life I realized something: he didn't share the gospel because he was a preacher, he told people about Jesus because he never got over the beautiful gift of grace. —Alicia Claxton, Lifeway Student Publishing

Ricky Rigsby

Ricky is my mentor and has a great heart for evangelism! He is 62 years old and asked Jesus into his heart when he was 9 and hasn't gotten over it. Everywhere he goes, he always makes Jesus known and tells his story. I want to be just like him someday and tell the world about Jesus with the same passion that Ricky does always and forever in my life! —Colin Sosebee (@shotcollin13)

My Dad

My dad is my spiritual hero because he has integrity as a Christian and I know that because I lived under his roof my whole childhood. He instilled in me the value of biblical exposition and he lived it out right in front of me.

"It's all about the Word, the Word, the Word, Jess'," he'd say to me.

My mom was the same way. I was there for their weakest moments in private and for their most public moments and they were the same godly people in both settings. A solid Christian testimony lived out before your very eyes is an undeniable Christian apologetic and it convinced me absolutely. It is still with me today and I aspire to that same kind of testimony now that I am a father myself. —Jesse Campbell, Lifeway Student Publishing

Article courtesy of Parenting Teens magazine.