I have lost the tool in the top tool bar on the far left that opens the brush controls/edit and the gradient selector tool. The brush selector tool I believe it's called. I tried hitting control m. I tried going through the toolbars. Can't find it. I tried changing 'workspaces'. I tried turning on/off comp. Uninstalling/reinstalling. Deleting all my art so it couldn't remember anything. What can I do? This has officially driven me insane! Please help!

check settings->toolbars?

Under the settings there is a configure toolbars. I have also done this. When I hit this I can't find anything that is the brush tool selector or anything that brings me to the brush customization/and the gradient selector tool.

What is it called under the configure toolbars? Any other suggestions?

Settings -> Toolbars shown -> Brushes and stuff
Or if you've deleted the items there is a "Defaults" button in the Configure Toolbars.

Otherwise you can try deleting all Krita settings files located here:
~/Library/Preferences/KDE
(use cmd+shift+G in Finder and paste)
(deletes all custom brush presets as well so backup desired files from ~/Library/Preferences/KDE/share/apps/krita and copy over once you've restarted Krita)

Thank you so much lokatt!! That worked like a charm. I had to delete the files. I am new to this, and thanks to you I got it back! So happy!!! I hope you have a good day!