In the 70s, I was immersed in a post-hippie lifestyle of debauchery before being radically converted to Christ. Since then, I have spent most of my days living and working in secular settings where I encountered much that resonated with truth and beauty, and I realized that “every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17).

Consequently, I don’t feel compelled to express only that which is part and parcel of some uniquely American evangelical subculture.

I taught English for 12 years in public high schools and then 21years at a community college. Contrary to what some Christians assume, there are many in public education who are believers. Most of us don’t see ourselves as being in some kind of culture war, but instead we try to perform our duties faithfully and be a positive influence in situations where our beliefs and values are too often misunderstood or rejected.

Since retiring during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, I have found ways to continue teaching that don’t involve grading papers. I’ve done a little preaching, spoken to some groups, facilitated Sunday school classes, and even tried my hand at standup comedy. I look forward to more “teaching” opportunities such as these, so if you’re interested in possibly making that happen, shoot me an e-mail: raysikes[at]gmail[dot]com.

My stories, poems, and essays have appeared in numerous print and online publications, and my novel, short story collection, and non-fiction books are available on Amazon. Retirement has given me a gift of time, so I have been writing another novel and hope to make it available late in 2025. I have also created a backlog of personal narratives and essays, which I will be revising and posting on Substack at “Mr. Ray Writes.”

I am also a musician, primarily a bass guitarist. In the 70s I played what is now called Classic Rock, but back then I was mimicking Top-40 songs in a cover band. After becoming a Christian, I helped create original music in a couple of groups, one of which recorded an album that was released as a CD. It wasn’t a hot seller, but at least we made back the money we invested and had a good time of it.

I estimate that I have played bass on various “praise teams” in well over 1,500 church services, which has always been my favorite musical involvement. Not only do I experience God’s presence with His people, but the songs embrace multiple styles, I get to improvise my own bass lines, and there are no drunks asking us to play “Freebird.”

For years I’ve also played electric guitar, mostly in the privacy of my own home, but lately I’ve gone out in public and shared what I call “Suburban Swamp Music,” which involves playing lots of blues licks and power chords while attempting to sing “holy blues” songs written mostly by dead Black men like Blind Willie Johnson and Reverend Gary Davis.

Besides all that has been mentioned, I try to be a good husband, dad, granddaddy, friend, and neighbor.