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 books are available on Amazon. Retirement has given me a gift of time, so I completed a second novel, The Lives and Loves of William B. Taylor, which was published in May 2026, and have also been writing personal narratives, essays, and travelogues, which I have been posting on Substack. Find out more at the blog tab above.

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 released a CD. I also 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 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.” This involves playing lots of blues licks, power chords, and rhythm-heavy arpeggios while singing “holy blues” lyrics written by dead Black men like Blind Willie Johnson and Reverend Gary Davis, along with some forays into the gospel music of Bob Dylan.

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