“Check On Me Sometimes”: A Heartfelt Plea from the Strong Friend Who Feels It All
By Power of Ten
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — (Galatians 6:2).
There’s a certain kind of person God places in every circle — the encourager, the intercessor, the one who can sense pain behind the smile. The one who checks in, sends the verse at just the right time, who listens without rushing to respond. They feel deeply, not just for themselves but for everyone around them. These are the empaths — the feelers, the heart-bearers, the quiet intercessors in our lives.
Maybe you call them your “strong friend.” Maybe they’re your mother, your big sister, your prayer partner, or even the quiet one in church who never misses a service and always asks, “How can I pray for you this week?”
But here’s the truth: even the strongest among us need someone to lean on. Even the ones who seem like they have it all together need space to cry, to release, to be held. Especially those who feel everything.
As empaths, we are drawn to pain. Not out of curiosity, but out of calling. God has wired us to walk toward the hurting, to sit in the ashes with the grieving, to hear what others overlook — the unspoken cries, the subtle sighs, the silent suffering. We hold space for everyone else.
But sometimes we suffer in silence:
We’re the ones who pour out endlessly, but rarely get poured into. We’ll answer your 2 a.m. call without hesitation, but struggle to dial out when we’re the ones breaking. We pray over everyone else’s needs while quietly burying our own. We are often seen as the safe harbor — but harbors still need maintenance, too.
And here’s the ache: We notice when no one notices us. We feel the absence. Not out of pride, but out of human need. Even Jesus, in HIS darkest hour in Gethsemane, asked HIS closest friends to stay and watch with HIM. And they couldn’t.
Sometimes, neither can ours.
“When Was the Last Time You Checked on Me?”
We ask this question not out of bitterness, but from a weary heart. We know you don’t mean to overlook us. We know you’re busy. But we also know what it feels like to carry too much for too long — and then crack under the pressure no one saw coming.
This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a gentle reminder: we all need community. Even the strong ones. Especially the strong ones.
So when the Lord brings someone to mind — that friend who’s always checking in, who always seems okay — send the text. Make the call. Drop by with coffee or sit beside them in quiet. Ask them, “How are you really doing?” And don’t rush the answer.
That simple act can be the difference between holding on and falling apart.
To my fellow empaths reading this: your heart is a gift. God sees your labor of love, your quiet tears, your selfless service. You are not invisible. And though people may forget to ask how you’re doing, God never stops watching over your soul.
But even Jesus leaned on HIS disciples. Even HE wept. Even HE asked for support. You are allowed to need. You are allowed to ask. You are allowed to be human.
And to those blessed enough to know an empath — the feelers, the lovers, the ones who’ve held you through your storms — check on them. Check on me. The one who has always checked on you.
Because even the strongest need a safe place to fall
Previously mentioned Scripture.
Galatians 6:2
New International Version
2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
King James Version
2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2
Living Bible
2 “Share each other’s troubles and problems, and so obey our Lord’s command.”