A busy roadside on a cloudy day may seem like an unusual place to encounter a ray of hope, but inspiration comes in the unlikeliest of places.

Those traveling along Highway 411 South of Centre on Friday morning, no doubt witnessed something somewhat, shall we say “out of the ordinary”; that, being a man dressed in a long flowing robe carrying a large wooden cross.

Of course our curiosity was piqued so we pulled over to the side of the road and spoke with Rodney Summerford, who was nice enough to spend a few minutes telling us about himself, and why he’s chosen to walk the highways and byways of rural America

Summerford said he began undertaking walks of several miles about five years ago and he’s had numerous people stop and speak with him during those trips which he conducts across the states of Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

He says he’s not an acting church minister, although we’ve all been called to minister in our own way.

For those who would like to speak with Summerford even if you don’t happen to drive by in an area where he’s walking on that particular day he provided us with his number, which is (256) 632-1147.

You could say when it comes to spreading a message of kindness, caring, and consideration, he’s certainly willing to go the extra mile.