M. Faith's Corner

9:47 PM- Monday, September 18, 2023

I've always believed that there's a god. Even when I wanted to doubt it was never really a doubt. When my parents argued and our family was at the edge of not existing, I shouted "this is not God's way" and carried the bible. "This is not how God wanted it" I would say. After all, why would He allow my daddy to choose us over drugs if He didn't want us to be a family, and why would He keep my mama alive during the times that next to nothing was known about diabetes as she was in and out of hospitals if it weren't to have me and marry my daddy and us be a family? When my great-grandmother was sick I would pray as to her not to suffer and be in Heaven with God. I would talk of the great experiences she'd have and how angels would surround her. Because after all, it's God's plan.

But how is it God's plan that the little girl that would preach to her parents about them not being together isn't a part of His plan and how anyone passing away is His plan, how can he allow her to lose four grandparents four years in a row? How can His plan consist of one of them being her hero and allow her to feel her heart being torn out of her? How can His plan be her going into depression and develop severe anxiety and slit her wrists and thighs?

I've wanted to die. Commit suicide because of all the weight and pain that's on my shoulders. But that's a sin, right? Some religions even say you go straight to hell. I want to be with my grandpa. I want to be with God. I want to be away from a world that's so full of hate. A world that's Godless. I want to be in Heaven where there are no tears or fears of being shot walking into a store or driving down the road. Where the streets are gold and angels sing. But my death is on God's time. And I've decided that until then, I will praise Him. I am protected by Him. And no matter what His plan holds for me, I will continue to always love Him.

With my love of animals, (okay, so maybe not toads; they're a little scary to me.) I try my best to research each hygiene and self-care product I come across. Sometimes, it's difficult to find products that are truly cruelty free. But with the help of the internet, here are the cruelty free brands that I personally use for my self-care and hygiene. Remember that I live in a small town where the only retail store is Walmart. Most of these products come from Walmart, but are/can be ordered online.

Ever since I was young, I've pictured myself as having black hair, however, my natural hair is brunette, if that's still what it's being called, I don't know about the up to date terms in the hair industry world. Anyways, for a while I tired blonde then went back to natural, and then decided to dye the tips and I had different colored tips for a while. Finally, when I decided to dye my black, I decided to keep it. I had always used Revlon. The cheapest, not cruelty free, burning, hair dye. In search of a new dye to touch up my hair, I found Garnier Olia. The dye doesn't burn like others I have tried and the scent isn't strong at all. Plus the aftercare conditioner had some left over for one or two more uses. Garnier is Cruelty Free International (Leaping Bunny) certified.

With my thick, curly, dyed hair, I have tried so many different shampoos and conditioners. Some of them didn't last long and I was having to buy new bottles every week. Some didn't clean my hair as well and some didn't condition my hair as I liked. I was scouring the shelves and doing my research when I found Suave Keratin Infusion Color Care. Not only does it work well and helps my color last a little longer, it also doesn't take a lot at all. I went from opening a new bottle of conditioner every week to every two weeks to two and a half weeks. The shampoo has lasted three to four weeks. That's with me washing my hair every other day to every two days. Suave is Global Beauty without Bunnies (PETA) certified.

I also use the Suave body wash, lotion, spray deodorant, and stick deodorant. as well. I've found that a lot of body washes end up breaking me out and drying out my skin. Suave is one of very few that does not do this. Suave is Global Beauty without Bunnies (PETA) certified.

When it comes to keeping my face clean I use E.L.F cleanser, serum, and moisturizer. I use Dr. Teals with lavender for kids at night because the lavender helps me relax and fall asleep. For pimples I use Starface hydro-star stickers. They're cute, fun, and do the trick. E.L.F and Dr.Teal's are PETA certified. Starface is Cruelty Free International (Leaping Bunny) certified.

To shave, I recommend using the Billie shaving cream and the razors are great too. Before shaving, I usually use the Dr. Teal's scrub. It helps prevent ingrown hairs and it helps with keeping your legs moisturized. Billie and Dr. Teal's are PETA certified.

I lastly would like to talk about bath bombs. They can be fun, relaxing, and some even have little surprises inside. I enjoy using the Onyx Bathhouse bath bombs and I also really enjoy New Moon Beginnings bombs (you can also find crystals, candles, and other things on New Moon Beginnings). I have messaged New Moon Beginnings and they say that they are made with natural ingredients and are cruelty free. Onyx Bathhouse is PETA certified.